Accident Overview
The accident occurred while the airplane was flying over the Sierra Nevada mountains. The pilot and passenger noted that snow had melted from the Templeton Meadows airstrip, prompting the pilot to conduct a low pass to inspect the surface for a potential camping trip the following week. The airstrip is a Forest Service access dirt strip located in a mountain meadow at an elevation of 8,700 feet MSL, surrounded by rising mountainous terrain. The density altitude was calculated to be approximately 10,700 feet.
Flight and Maneuver
During the low pass over the unimproved field, the pilot experienced a downdraft that resulted in a 300 foot per minute descent. In response, the pilot adjusted the airplane to a maximum climb angle in an attempt to achieve a positive climb rate and clear the rising terrain ahead. At 300 feet above ground level, the pilot determined that he would not be able to clear the mountains and elected to turn toward an open area with lower ground. While executing this turn, the airplane collided with a tree, struck the ground, and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
On-site examination was conducted by a technical representative from Cessna and the U.S. Forest Service. The examination revealed that the flaps were extended to 40 degrees. Both the airframe and engine were inspected, and no mechanical failures were found.