Sequence of Events
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane gained just enough altitude to clear trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot then turned the aircraft up a valley in an attempt to gain additional altitude. The airplane was climbing at 150 feet per minute, but the valley gradually narrowed into a box canyon. The aircraft had not reached a sufficient altitude to clear the surrounding terrain.
Recognizing the impending collision, the pilot initiated a forced landing. During the maneuver, the airplane collided with the terrain.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 7,800 feet. No information was provided regarding wind, visibility, or other weather elements.
Aircraft Information
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident. The specific make, model, or registration of the aircraft was not disclosed in the source.
Conclusion
The investigation did not assign a probable cause in the source material. The accident involved a loss of terrain clearance during climb in a confined valley under high-density-altitude conditions.