Incident Overview
A pilot reported experiencing head congestion and ear discomfort during the first leg of a flight. Despite these symptoms, he elected to fly the second leg through a canyon he believed would provide a low-altitude passage through the mountains. However, the canyon gradually narrowed, and the surrounding terrain rose at a rate exceeding the aircraft's climb capability.
Sequence of Events
By the time the pilot recognized the situation, there was insufficient airspace to execute a 180-degree turn. The aircraft brushed the tops of several trees before crashing within the canyon. The elevation at the crash site was approximately 4,000 feet above mean sea level. To escape the canyon, the aircraft would have needed to climb above 5,000 feet MSL. The cargo on board weighed less than 100 pounds.