Ron Lee wrote:
I return to my original comment -- why over the mountains
in a single engine aircraft with no easy out?


I do it with no problem but I have taken the mountain flying course
and I usually have beaucoup distance between me and terra firma.

Unless some mechanical problem caused this incident odds are it was
pilot error.

Ron -- we agree that yes, it can be done. And I've taken the
mountain flying course (more than once - never hurts) but as you
pointed out, big air between you and ground. Based on the density
altitude, doesn't seem that there was that much space between
the aircraft and the ground.

Fortunately, no fatalities, the pax is in very good humor (according
to the interviews yesterday) and the pilot is improving.