Flight Sequence
The accident occurred after departure during the initial cruise climb. The pilot and a passenger heard a metallic clicking sound from the engine area, described as similar to a valve tap in an automobile. The pilot immediately reversed course to return to the airstrip.
Maneuver Within the Gorge
The aircraft was within the narrow gorge of the Selway River at the time. The pilot's decision for an immediate turn was driven by expectations of a mechanical issue and anxiety about the situation. The turn required a tight radius due to the low altitude and the confines of the gorge, which reduced the aircraft's rate of climb. The aircraft was heavily loaded.
Terrain Collision
As a result of the turn, the aircraft was positioned such that it could not achieve clearance from the wooded, upsloping sides of the gorge. The aircraft struck terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
The engine, propeller, and associated components were disassembled, inspected, and tested. No evidence of any preimpact malfunction that would have caused a power loss was found. The examination also did not reveal any explanation for the clicking noise heard during flight.