Incident Overview
During initial climb towards rising terrain, the pilot observed that the aircraft was not very high but perceived no immediate danger. He stated that he planned to navigate through a lower pass in the hills but noticed his rate of climb was very low and could not be improved. He remarked that the terrain was rising faster than he was.
Weight and Balance Calculations
According to calculations provided by the Piper Aircraft Company, the aircraft was loaded 3/4 of an inch forward of the maximum forward center of gravity limit. These calculations further established that the terrain rose at a rate of 450 feet per mile, while the maximum climb rate of the aircraft was 375 feet per mile.
Pilot Observations
The pilot's account indicates he was aware of the low altitude and the inability to increase climb performance. His planned navigation through a lower pass suggests an attempt to mitigate the terrain rise, but the insufficient climb rate prevented successful avoidance.