Accident Narrative
The takeoff was initiated from a snow-covered runway at Aspen-Pitkin County-Sardy Field. The aircraft's wings were covered with ice and snow. As it became airborne, the twin-engine airplane struck a fence beyond the runway end. The pilot did not abort the takeoff but continued the departure. Within a few minutes, while at an altitude of 11,800 feet, the aircraft encountered downdrafts and updrafts. The pilot lost control, and the airplane crashed into a canyon several miles from the airport. The wreckage was discovered two days later. One passenger was killed, and the other six occupants sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be a controlled collision with a fence during initial climb, followed by controlled flight into terrain due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors included: failure to abort the takeoff, airframe ice, improper in-flight decisions or planning, snow on the runway, icing conditions (sleet, freezing rain), downdrafts and updrafts, ice and snow on the wings, striking the fence at liftoff, and continuing the departure.