Narrative
A pilot and a passenger were flying at dusk when they passed a herd of deer. The passenger, seated in the back, was unable to photograph the animals. The pilot subsequently executed a 180-degree turn and made a second pass toward rising terrain.
As the aircraft approached a crest, the pilot reported being slightly below the top when he attempted to apply aft pressure on the control stick. The stick would not move rearward. The pilot later stated that he believed a camera belonging to the passenger had become wedged between the rear seat and the rear control stick, preventing its movement. He noted that the top of one of the cameras showed damage.
The passenger reported hearing scraping noises that he attributed to trees striking the aircraft. He then observed the control stick move backward just before the noises became louder and more forceful. The aircraft subsequently crashed beyond the crest.
After the aircraft came to rest, the pilot was unconscious and briefly blocked the door. The passenger stated that a pocket camera he had been carrying "must have fallen out of my pocket in the crash."
Evidence
Examination revealed that one of the cameras had a damaged top. The pilot's account indicated that the camera was likely wedged between the rear seat and the control stick, obstructing its movement. The passenger's camera was not found in its expected location.
Aftermath
The pilot regained consciousness after a short period and was able to exit the aircraft. No further details were provided regarding injuries or damage to the aircraft.