Flight Plan
Two flight instructors told the airplane operator that they planned to make a local flight and reserved the airplane for the following day. Before the flight, they informed an airport receptionist and a friend that they intended to fly in the mountains.
Departure and Landing
The instructors departed from Watkins, Colorado at 0800. At about 0930, they landed at Leadville Airport, which is the highest airport in North America.
Witness Observations
Shortly after 1000, two witnesses observed an airplane flying at low altitude into the Pearl Creek drainage. The wreckage was subsequently located at the 10,800-foot level. The area was surrounded by three mountain peaks with elevations of 12,365 feet, 12,693 feet, and 12,247 feet.
Wreckage Examination
A crater was found where the airplane had crashed, and the airplane came to rest about 45 feet from the crater. Examination of the propeller blades revealed curled tips and chordwise scratches, indicating that the engine was providing power during impact.
Pilot Logbooks
Examination of both pilots' logbooks disclosed no documentation of mountain flying experience and no record of having received a mountain flying checkout.