Hawker Beechcraft Corp G36 N36JJ accident near Aspen, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB analysis

While attempting to navigate over mountainous terrain on a cross-country flight, the pilot flew the airplane into a canyon with high mountains. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data indicated that the pilot likely attempted to fly out of the canyon. The airplane impacted trees and rising terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and a postimpact fire. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have contributed to the accident.

The pilot initially requested an instrument flight rules flight plan, which included an instrument departure that the airplane was not equipped to fly. The pilot then requested a visual flight rules departure and provided his own navigation. The investigation could not determine, from the available evidence for this accident, if the pilot was familiar with or prepared to fly visually through the mountain pass.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21FA305 for the full record.