Accident Overview
A pilot and two passengers departed on a pleasure flight to search for a deer hunting area. According to witnesses near the accident site, the aircraft was observed flying down a canyon on a northerly heading before reversing course and attempting to fly back up the canyon.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft approach the top of a 10,000-foot mountain. As it neared the summit, the aircraft's nose pitched up, and it subsequently stalled. While banking to the right, the aircraft crashed into terrain rising at a 45-degree angle.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 10,000 feet, which would have affected aircraft performance.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the aircraft stalled after pitching up, leading to a loss of control and impact with the rising terrain. No other factors were identified in the source material.