Accident Details
A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft was conducting a search mission with a pilot and two observers aboard. The pilot was flying at a relatively low altitude and slow speed over wooded, mountainous terrain. A witness observed the aircraft enter a bowl or box canyon-type area at or below the witness's eye level. The terrain in that area rose to the east, north, and west.
The aircraft entered the canyon from the south and began a 180-degree turn. Before completing the turn and exiting the canyon, the aircraft collided with trees. The crash site elevation was approximately 1,600 feet.
Investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical problems that would have contributed to the accident. The investigation focused on the pilot's maneuvering in the confined canyon environment, but no explicit cause was assigned in the official report.
Witness Account
The witness reported seeing the aircraft at or below their eye level as it entered the canyon. The terrain surrounding the canyon made egress difficult, requiring a precise turn to avoid rising ground. The aircraft was unable to clear the treeline during its attempted departure.
The accident site was located in a remote, forested area, consistent with the mission profile of searching over mountainous terrain.