The Flight
The pilot and three passengers were conducting a local sightseeing flight over the Pine Valley Mountain range. According to the pilot, he performed three 360-degree turns to increase altitude from 7,500 feet to 9,500 feet.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
Upon leveling at 9,500 feet, the pilot reported that the engine began to lose power. He attempted to restore power by leaning the mixture and applying carburetor heat, but these actions were unsuccessful. The pilot then executed a forced landing in a wilderness area.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal engine operation.