Not a huge surprise. I've flown a bit in that area and you really need to know about mountain flying. Weather can change amazingly quickly and density altitude and turbulence are often a problem. You need a downhill 'out' and you must never try and outclimb downdrafts or rising ground in a box canyon,
I was at Buenavista in September and in a 160 HP C172 was getting about 200 fpm climb (altitude is 7,946 ft). That's just down the valley from Leadville at 9,927 ft which was too high for us to attempt. MEF in the area is 14,800.
I fly there with a local expert in the mountains who us also a member of the S & R team and sadly the tales of woe and stupidity leave me no doubts why crashes happen.
You need to respect, plan and then often just don't try it.
Last edited by Dave Gittins; 20th Dec 2011 at 12:57.