What happened
The flight was proceeding through the La Veta Pass, a high-elevation corridor in the Rocky Mountains. The pilot entered the pass at an altitude of 8,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The available runway length at the destination or reference point was noted as 9,380 feet.
As the aircraft approached the summit of the pass, the pilot encountered significant atmospheric disturbances. Specifically, the pilot reported experiencing turbulence and strong downdrafts. These conditions severely impacted the aerodynamic performance of the airplane. The pilot stated that the aircraft 'couldn't generate any lift' under these circumstances. Consequently, the airplane stalled.
The accident occurred moments after this stall event. In the immediate aftermath, another pilot operating in the vicinity reported encountering occasional moderate to extreme turbulence in the same area, confirming the hazardous weather conditions present at that time and location.
The investigation
Investigation into the mechanical condition of the aircraft was not detailed in the provided source text. No specific maintenance records or post-accident examination findings regarding airframe or engine components are included in this summary.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of lift due to severe weather conditions. The pilot's account indicates that the combination of turbulence and downdrafts prevented the generation of sufficient lift to maintain controlled flight. The presence of moderate to extreme turbulence reported by a second pilot corroborates the environmental hazards present during the incident.