What happened
A certificated private pilot and one passenger were engaged in a personal flight near mountainous terrain, searching for potential off-airport landing sites. The pilot had previously mentioned experience with bush flying, specifically involving landings on dirt roads.
During the flight, the aircraft was observed at an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet above the ground while navigating a small canyon near a switchback area along a mountain road. Witnesses observed the plane undergo a rapid descent into the terrain, impacting the ground in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities.
While a ground witness reported calm wind conditions at the time of the impact, a pilot witness in the vicinity reported encountering turbulence and downdrafts within the area.