What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was conducting a student demonstration flight over rugged, mountainous terrain. The instructor pilot was operating the controls at a low altitude when the aircraft collided with a tree. Following the impact, the airplane descended in an uncontrolled manner and subsequently impacted the ground.
The crash site was located at an elevation of 8,700 feet. Environmental conditions contributed significantly to the event, with the density altitude estimated at 10,140 feet. Additionally, the aircraft was loaded near its maximum gross weight limit at the time of the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight path. The primary mechanical finding was that the airplane struck a tree before descending to the ground. The high density altitude and heavy loading were noted as critical factors affecting performance.
Findings
The combination of low-altitude flight over mountains, high density altitude, and maximum gross weight created hazardous conditions. The collision with the tree initiated the uncontrolled descent that led to the final impact.