Flight and Incident Details
A certificated commercial pilot and a non-certificated passenger, both co-owners of the airplane, departed from an airport with the passenger at the controls. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane encountered turbulence, gusty winds, and wind shear, which prevented it from climbing above about 300 feet above ground level.
Pilot Actions
The pilot-in-command then took over the controls and began maneuvering the airplane to avoid rising terrain, attempting to gain orographic lift from the surrounding hills. However, with the stall warning sounding, the airplane struck a tree on a ridge line approximately 1 mile from the airport.
Post-Impact Events
After striking the tree, the airplane descended through several other trees and was destroyed. A SIGMET was in effect for low-level wind shear at the time of the incident.