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Pilot Performs Forced Landing on Mountainous Terrain near Aspen (N991RC)

Aspen, CO, US

On August 16, 1999, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N991RC) was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in flight planning. Factors were the high density altitude, the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the sign post that the right wing impacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that while climbing over a pass near Aspen, the airplane became 'mushy' above 11,000 ft MSL. Believing he could not clear the 12,095 ft pass, he landed ahead on brush-covered rising terrain. During landing, the right wing hit a sign post, causing the airplane to spin 180 degrees. Density altitude at the site was 13,136 ft.

Incident Overview

A pilot recounted an accident that occurred after departing runway 33 at Aspen. The pilot reported turning right crosswind and heading towards a nearby pass. According to the pilot's statement, upon climbing above 11,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), "the airplane really got mushy." Concluding that the aircraft would not be able to clear the pass, which has an elevation of 12,095 feet, the pilot decided to land straight ahead.

Landing and Impact

The landing took place on brush-covered, rising mountainous terrain. During the landing roll, the right wing of the airplane struck a sign post. The impact caused the airplane to spin 180 degrees.

Environmental Conditions

The density altitude at the accident site was calculated to be 13,136 feet, indicating reduced aircraft performance due to high altitude and temperature conditions.

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, number of occupants, injuries, damage extent, time of day, weather characterization, or involvement of air traffic control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1999 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Aspen, CO?

A pilot reported that while climbing over a pass near Aspen, the airplane became 'mushy' above 11,000 ft MSL. Believing he could not clear the 12,095 ft pass, he landed ahead on brush-covered rising terrain. During landing, the right wing hit a sign post, causing the airplane to spin 180 degrees. Density altitude at…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1999 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N991RC, at Aspen, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in flight planning. Factors were the high density altitude, the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the sign post that the right wing impacted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19491. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.