Accident Narrative
A private pilot and his wife were beginning a cross-country personal transportation flight. The aircraft was loaded to near maximum gross weight. Prior to departure, the flight service station (FSS) reported a density altitude of 9,600 feet to the pilot.
Flight Details
Takeoff was conducted on a 6,300-foot-long by 100-foot-wide asphalt runway. After becoming airborne, the pilot stated that the aircraft encountered a downdraft at an altitude of 300 to 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft subsequently lost altitude, descending to between 75 and 100 feet AGL.
Terrain and Maneuver
The aircraft maintained this low altitude for approximately two miles while flying over rising terrain. To avoid a residential area, the pilot executed a 180-degree right turn. He reported that the terrain appeared to rise faster than the aircraft could climb, and the aircraft crash-landed. The crash occurred within three miles of the departure airport.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a downdraft near the airport, loss of altitude, and a turn to avoid a residential area, culminating in a crash-landing on rising terrain. No other factors were stated in the source.