Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with trees at an elevation of 8,560 feet mean sea level (MSL). The crash site was located on the east side of a ridge, approximately 30 to 40 feet below the ridgeline. The ridge ran northeast-southwest and formed the western boundary of Dry Canyon.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the engine lost power at approximately 9,000 feet MSL as the aircraft approached the ridgeline. The pilot stated that he could see the aircraft would not clear the ridge. He turned toward the valley, but the aircraft subsequently struck trees.
A witness reported that the aircraft entered Dry Canyon while at approximately 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The terrain elevation at the canyon entrance was about 6,500 feet MSL, and the entrance was approximately 3 miles from the crash site. The witness stated that a few minutes after the aircraft passed his position, he heard the engine roar, then nothing.
During an interview with the pilot and passengers, the investigator established that the aircraft entered the canyon at approximately 500 feet AGL.
Investigation
The engine was examined, and a test run was conducted. The test run showed evidence of normal operation. No further causal determination was provided in the source.