Accident Overview
Just after liftoff from Pagosa Springs Airfield, while climbing, the right engine failed. The pilot was able to feather the propeller, but the airplane lost height and crashed in flames in a canyon. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all four occupants were killed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported include improper emergency procedures, airport conditions, high density altitude, flying into a blind canyon, right engine failure with propeller feathered, aircraft hitting a canyon wall, high obstructions at the end of the runway, and a density altitude of 7,400 feet.