Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a dual cross-country flight when the CFI flew into an area of rising mountainous terrain. The CFI planned to use this setting to instruct the student in mountain flying techniques.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, the airplane encountered an updraft followed by a downdraft. In response, the CFI lowered the wing flaps to the 10-degree position, believing that this action would enhance the airplane's rate of climb. However, the airplane's climb performance did not improve and remained inadequate to outclimb the rising terrain.
Collision
The airplane subsequently collided with a tree and the side of a hill.
Analysis
No specific cause for the collision was stated in the investigation source. The CFI's decision to extend flaps was based on a belief that it would improve climb performance, but that action did not produce the desired result.