Accident Overview
A Piper PA-32-260, operating as an on-demand passenger flight, was involved in an accident after flying low over Yosemite National Park. The aircraft climbed eastward into rising terrain. The flight path selected by the pilot was approximately one mile north and 1,000 feet higher than Tioga Pass, which has an elevation of 9,941 feet.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft climbed, its empennage struck a boulder while ascending a ridge with an upslope of approximately five degrees. The aircraft then nosed into the ground. A post-crash fire destroyed the cabin and engine nacelles.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude calculated for the accident site was 12,500 feet. The aircraft's published service ceiling is 12,800 feet at maximum gross weight.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Piper PA-32-260. No further details on the aircraft's registration, operator, or occupants were provided in the source.