Fatal Mountain Flight Accident in New Mexico (N20CF)

Accident Overview and Flight Details A pilot and three passengers boarded the aircraft at Angel Fire, New Mexico, which sits at an elevation of 8,382 feet MSL, with the intention of returning to Phoenix, Arizona. The density altitude at the time was approximately 11,582 feet MSL. The aircraft, which had recently been serviced, carried 54 gallons of fuel and was approximately 30 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit. The pilot elected to take off from Runway 17, which measures 8,900 feet by 75 feet and has an uphill gradient of 0.643%. The pilot rotated three times before the aircraft finally lifted off near the departure end of the runway. Numerous witnesses observed the aircraft flying low through the valley towards gradually rising terrain. It finally struck trees and crashed approximately 5 miles from the airport at an elevation of 8,813 feet MSL. One passenger was fatally injured while attempting to evacuate the burning aircraft. Performance charts indicated the aircraft was capable of taking off under the prevailing conditions. The pilot later reported that turbulence and downdrafts degraded the aircraft's climb performance. He also indicated the aircraft was on the verge of stalling throughout the short flight.