Background
The flight was a repositioning leg from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Farmington, New Mexico, the home base of the two airline transport-rated pilots. Records showed that both pilots had been on duty since 0800 the previous morning.
Flight Path
The airplane departed Grand Junction at approximately 0345 Mountain Daylight Time. At 0351, radar data indicated the airplane leveled off at 11,600 feet on a ground track of 135 degrees. The airplane maintained that heading and altitude until recorded radar data ended at 0407.
Impact
About 0415, the airplane impacted a mountain with a summit elevation of 14,246 feet, striking at the 11,600-foot level. The impact occurred while the airplane was in level flight at that altitude.
Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the airframe, engines, propellers, or flight controls. Autopsy and toxicology protocols conducted on both pilots failed to disclose any physical impairment. The investigation did not identify any mechanical or physiological factors that could explain the accident.