What happened
On January 11, 2009, a Pilatus PC-12/45, registration N604WP, crashed near Hayden, Colorado, resulting in 2 fatal injuries. The aircraft was performing an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Yampa Valley Airport (HDN) to Chino Airport (CNO) in California.
Prior to departure, the aircraft was moved from a heated hangar into heavy snowfall. Airport personnel reported seeing an accumulation of approximately one inch of slushy, wet snow on the wings. Although the Fixed Base Operator manager suggested the pilot taxi for de-icing, the pilot declined.
The aircraft departed runway 2മുണ്ട 28 at 0939 mountain standard time. Witnesses at the airport observed the takeoff roll, with some noting the airplane appeared to be struggling to gain speed. Radar data showed that after takeoff, the aircraft entered a right turn that progressively tightened. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of approximately 900 feet AGL before impacting the ground in an inverted, nose-down attitude approximately one mile north-northwest of the runway. The wreckage was found in a snow-covered field and was fully engulfed in flames.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the engine and airframe were free of anomalies that would have contributed to the loss of control. The engine's internal components showed rotational signatures consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact.
While the cockpit area suffered significant thermal and impact damage, the aileron and rudder trims were found in neutral positions, and the stabilizer trim was within the takeoff range. The landing gear and flaps were fully retracted. Testing of the fuel used in the aircraft showed no contamination.