What happened
The aircraft departed the Troutdale Airport during the night. Following takeoff, the pilot flew a course that directed the aircraft toward rising terrain. While performing a climbing right turn—a maneuver intended to bring the aircraft onto a heading more consistent with the route to the intended destination—the aircraft impacted trees on mountainous terrain.
The impact occurred at an elevation of approximately 4200 feet. At 21:46, weather conditions at the departure airport, which sits at an elevation of 35 feet, included broken clouds at 3500 feet and visibility of 15 miles. Winds were reported from 270 degrees at 8 knots.