Overview
A pilot planned a cross-country flight from Palm Springs, California, to the nearby mountain resort community of Big Bear, California. During the flight, the pilot navigated the aircraft over an area where the terrain was rising at a rate faster than the aircraft was climbing.
The Accident
As the aircraft encountered the rising terrain, the pilot attempted to reverse course. However, there was insufficient room to complete the maneuver, and the aircraft subsequently collided with upsloping terrain.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported with the aircraft. The accident investigation focused on the pilot's navigation and decision-making during the flight.