Pilot loses altitude while maneuvering to return after losing visual reference (N182X)

What happened

During a cross-country flight, the pilot was utilizing a road on the ground as a primary means of navigation. The roadway featured a sharp curve that caused the pilot to lose visual contact with the landmark. In response, the pilot banked the aircraft toward higher terrain. While executing maneuvers intended to turn the aircraft back around, the pilot observed a loss of altitude. A stall warning horn activated during this descent. The aircraft continued to descend in a level attitude until it collided with trees.

Findings

The accident occurred while the pilot was attempting to navigate using visual ground references. The loss of the road from view necessitated a change in heading toward elevated terrain. The subsequent loss of altitude and activation of the stall warning horn indicate an aerodynamic stall during the maneuvering phase.