Alamosa

The pilot contacted air traffic control, using the wrong call sign, requesting radar flight following. The airplane initially climbed to 13,500 feet, descended to 11,500 feet, climbed to 13,500 feet, and then began a descent until it impacted terrain at 11,900 feet. One minute prior to impact, the pilot asked the air traffic controller about various minimum altitudes for his route of flight. The controller responded with a minimum instrument altitude of 15,000 to 15,300 feet. A review of the handling of the accident flight showed that the controller was aware of the airplane's position, altitude, general route of flight, and its proximity to terrain. No safety alert was issued to the accident flight. Weather depiction charts, infrared satellite imagery, and local weather observations indicate instrument meteorological conditions prevailed along the route of flight, closest to the accident location. The moon had set at 1539 on the day of the accident. The pilot reported a planned flight altitude of 12,500 feet to his dispatcher. No record of a preflight weather briefing was located. An examination of the airplane, engines, and related systems revealed no anomalies.

The airplane was on a non-scheduled cargo flight which was projected to fly an approximate 240 degree course for 92 nm. The accident site was located on a heavily forested steep mountain side, 15 to 16 nm north of the airplane's projected course. The debris field began at an east-west ridge line, and progressed for 300 feet on a 010 degree track to the downed airplane. Examination of the airframe and engines revealed no evidence of preimpact discrepancies. The accident site was in an area where the Fall color of the aspens was at its peak. Additionally, it was an area where elk were sometimes observed.

Witnesses stated that the airplane was on final approach to runway 03 with the landing gear and flaps extended. One witness reported that when the airplane was about 50 to 100 feet above the ground, he heard the engine go to full power, and the airplane entered a steep climbing right turn. The witness stated that the airplane looked very slow during the steep climb. While in the climb, the airplane's wings leveled and then the airplane banked left and nosed down into the ground. A no-radio gyrocopter had just taken off on runway 03. Both occupants were killed.

During the takeoff roll at Alamosa Airport, the pilot raised the landing gear prematurely, causing the aircraft to crash on runway. All six occupants were slightly injured while the aircraft was destroyed by fire.