Incident Description
A pilot and a passenger were on a fishing and sight-seeing flight. During the flight, they encountered winds estimated at 35 knots blowing over a mountain ridge. The pilot initially attempted to fly over the ridge but turned away after experiencing a strong downdraft. A second attempt was made at approximately 200 feet above ground level. However, the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to clear the ridge after entering the area of the downdraft and crashed on the approach to the ridge.
Sequence of Events
The flight encountered windy conditions near a mountain ridge. The estimated wind speed was 35 knots. The pilot made the first crossing attempt but retreated due to a downdraft. The second crossing attempt began at a lower altitude, around 200 feet AGL. Again, a downdraft affected the aircraft, and it could not climb enough to clear the ridge. The crash occurred while the aircraft was approaching the ridge.
Additional Details
No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupant status was provided in the source.