Incident Overview
During a local instructional flight, the pilot reported that they were flying approximately 1 mile offshore at 500 feet above ground level (AGL). The student pilot initiated a climbing right turn towards land and continued applying back pressure until the aircraft stalled. The instructor took over and recovered from the stall, but rising terrain was directly ahead. The pilot stated that the aircraft encountered a downdraft from which they could not climb out before colliding with terrain.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported observing the aircraft flying erratically along and over a populated beach area at altitudes varying from 10 to 50 feet AGL. When the aircraft turned right towards the mountains, it cleared an apartment complex by approximately 10 feet and eventually collided with the terrain.
Mechanical Status
No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.