Departure Briefing and Flight Plan
The pilot was on his first flight with the all-cargo Part 135 operator. He did not possess a Part 135 IFR check and was required to fly VFR on this flight. Prior to departure, the chief pilot briefed him to fly runway heading after departing Runway 12 at Albuquerque International Airport and to climb to 9,500 feet. This altitude would have provided terrain clearance while transiting a pass and would have ensured a minimum of 1,000 feet clearance below the cloud layer, which was reported as 11,000 feet overcast.
Takeoff and Radar Track
After takeoff, radar data showed that the pilot turned right and proceeded along a path corresponding approximately to the 120-degree radial of the Albuquerque VORTAC. The aircraft's transponder Mode C readout indicated an altitude of 9,500 feet. Radar plotting confirmed that the aircraft maintained this approximate path and altitude until it collided with a 10,600-foot mountain located south of the flight path that the pilot had been instructed to follow.
Training and Regulatory Context
The pilot had received no training from the company for this operation. According to the operator, no additional training was required by FAA regulations because the pilot came aboard with a current Part 135 check.
Accident Summary
The accident occurred on the pilot's first flight with the operator. The aircraft, flying VFR, was following a route that took it south of the intended path, leading to impact with high terrain at an altitude consistent with the briefed climb target. The collision resulted in damage to the aircraft.