What happened
The pilot of the Lake Amphibian initiated takeoff and subsequently turned toward an area of rising terrain. The maneuver was intended to locate slope lift, which the pilot anticipated would be available due to the prevailing wind conditions at the time. However, instead of gaining altitude as expected, the aircraft encountered sink. This loss of lift resulted in insufficient terrain clearance for the pilot to execute a course reversal. Consequently, the aircraft collided with the terrain.
The investigation
Investigation data indicated that the density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 9,070 feet. This high density altitude likely contributed to the reduced performance capabilities of the aircraft, exacerbating the effects of the sink encountered during the maneuver.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident were the encounter with sink and the resulting insufficient terrain clearance. The high density altitude of approximately 9,070 feet was a significant contributing factor to the aircraft's inability to maintain safe altitude during the attempted lift-seeking maneuver.