Accident Details
A personal sightseeing flight over mountainous terrain ended when the aircraft struck trees and burned on rising terrain at an elevation of about 11,500 feet. The aircraft was flying on an east-southeasterly heading north of Jicarita Peak. No record was found of the pilot receiving a weather briefing or a forecast of winds aloft. Forecast winds at 9,000 and 12,000 feet were from 200 to 210 degrees at 25 knots.
Witness Accounts
Two witnesses observed the aircraft before the accident. One witness reported the aircraft was flying several hundred feet above the treeline, while the other estimated the altitude at about 500 feet above ground level. Both witnesses heard the engine "rev up" prior to the accident. One witness noted that a storm was approaching in the distance.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the aircraft was climbing at 130 to 140 knots when it began descending. He could not recall the accident. The pilot also mentioned that he had not flown in the mountains around Penasco except at high altitude.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the aircraft was leveled before contacting trees on terrain rising at approximately 5 degrees. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found.