Accident Overview
An aircraft departed from an airport with a field elevation of 7,793 feet and crashed approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the airport. The impact occurred at the 9,000-foot level of an 11,000-foot mountain. All four occupants were killed.
Flight History
Prior to departure, the flight received an IFR clearance that began at Herls intersection, located 16 miles north-northeast of the airport. The clearance required crossing Herls at or above 16,000 feet MSL. Flights are required to proceed VFR to the initial fix of an IFR clearance. After takeoff, the aircraft was observed heading northeast toward the mountains. Aircraft departing Aspen usually fly a northern heading and then turn northeast after clearing the mountains.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses stated that weather was good in the valley north of the airport, but the mountain tops east of the airport were obscured by low clouds.
Operational History
The pilot had last flown into Aspen in 1980.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings are:
- Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather
- Phase of operation: Climb to cruise
- Findings:
1. Preflight planning/preparation inadequate (pilot in command) 2. VFR procedures not followed (pilot in command) 3. Lack of familiarity with geographic area (pilot in command) 4. Weather condition: clouds 5. Weather condition: obscuration 6. VFR flight into IMC continued (pilot in command)
- Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water
- Phase of operation: Climb to cruise
- Findings:
7. Terrain condition: high terrain 8. Terrain condition: mountainous/hilly 9. Terrain condition: rising