Aircraft and Flight Information
Aircraft N4581E was operating under 14 CFR Part 135 as a cargo flight. The pilot reported departing under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and stated visibility at the accident site was 7 to 10 miles.
Accident Details
Witnesses at and near the accident site reported heavy snowfall at the time of the occurrence, with visibility of one mile or less. The aircraft struck a two-story duplex in a shallow wing-low attitude at an altitude of 18 feet above ground level.
Investigation Findings
Post-crash examination of the airframe and engines revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot had been grounded for a couple of weeks prior to the accident due to medical issues. Additionally, there was no record indicating the pilot had received a route check for operations at Aspen.
The official investigation identified the following causal factors: the pilot initiated VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, had reduced visual lookout due to weather, maintained improper altitude, and failed to maintain clearance from obstacles. Contributing weather conditions included night lighting, low ceiling, snow, and obscuration. The aircraft was operating in high terrain and the pilot lacked familiarity with the geographic area.