Accident Overview
A pilot took off from an airport with a density altitude of 9,988 feet mean sea level after receiving a preflight weather briefing. The airplane was a 166-horsepower model and was heavily loaded. There was no evidence that the pilot calculated the density altitude or the aircraft's performance prior to the takeoff.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft climbed through 400 feet above ground level, it encountered a downdraft and began to descend. The aircraft then started to climb again, and the pilot entered a turn with the intention of returning to the airport. During the turn, the aircraft entered a descent and subsequently collided with the terrain.
Further Details
The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator are not provided in the source. The accident occurred during daylight hours? The source does not specify time of day. No information is available regarding occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the collision with terrain. The pilot's preflight weather briefing was received, but the lack of density altitude and performance calculations is noted. The downdraft was encountered at approximately 400 feet AGL, and the aircraft was able to climb again before the pilot initiated the turn. The final descent during the turn led to the collision.