Accident Overview
During a scenic flight for relatives, the pilot flew into a box canyon. The aircraft's performance was insufficient to outclimb the canyon's gradient. The pilot adjusted the power settings and then informed the passengers that they were going down. The aircraft subsequently crashed on a steep slope.
Crash and Fire
After the crash, the aircraft caught fire, which ignited a forest fire. The passengers attempted to escape the burning wreckage. One passenger remained trapped inside until his seat belt burned through, allowing him to free himself. All passengers sustained serious burns during the escape.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions. The aircraft was determined to be at or near its gross weight at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were identified.