Accident Overview
A pilot conducted a nighttime departure from Runway 22 at Rawlins Airport after being advised by a pilot familiar with the airport to depart to the southwest to avoid rising terrain. Instead, the pilot turned west towards high terrain. The aircraft impacted a ridge line approximately 50 feet below the rim of a saddle.
Flight Profile
The net gain in elevation from takeoff to the point of impact was approximately 800 feet over roughly two minutes of flight time. The all-engine climb capability of the aircraft, when fully loaded, should have been twice that amount, indicating that the aircraft was capable of a higher climb rate than was achieved.
Engine Examination
Disassembly and inspection of the engines revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions. Both engines were found to be operational at the time of impact.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had not flown into Rawlins Airport prior to this flight. Despite receiving guidance to depart to the southwest, the pilot chose a different heading that led directly toward higher terrain.