Accident Details
An aircraft was on a photographic flight for National Geographic, documenting mountainous terrain around Virginia City. According to the official report, the aircraft collided with rising terrain. Following the collision, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Witness Account
A witness stated that the aircraft was flying too low and too slow. While circling, the aircraft struck the up-slope terrain with its left landing gear. The impact caused the aircraft to flip over, resulting in the inverted final position.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported on the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 that she experienced a power interruption. However, in a separate conversation with her employer, the pilot indicated that she was flying low and slow on the flight. The employer subsequently relayed this information to the investigator. No further details regarding the cause of the accident were provided in the source.