What happened
The accident occurred at night with no moon illumination. Weather conditions were characterized by a high-pressure system over the desert southwest, providing unrestricted visibility. No convective activity had been detected in the vicinity of the site for several hours prior to the event.
An eastbound aircraft was flying within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park. The sectional chart indicates that the minimum altitude for aircraft operating in this area is ground elevation plus 2,000 feet. Rincon Peak, the highest point in the park, has an elevation of 8,482 feet msl.
The aircraft collided with steeply rising terrain less than a mile north of Rincon Peak at the 7,500 foot level.