What happened
While flying over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the pilot and passenger observed that snow had melted from the Templeton Meadows airstrip. To evaluate the surface condition for an upcoming camping trip, the pilot decided to perform a low pass over the unpaved field.
The airstrip is located in a mountain meadow at 8,700 feet MSL and is surrounded by rising terrain. At the time of the maneuver, the density altitude was approximately 10,700 feet. During the low pass, the pilot encountered a downdraft that caused the aircraft to descend at a rate of 300 feet per minute.
In an attempt to establish a positive climb rate and clear the rising terrain ahead, the pilot adjusted the aircraft to its maximum climb angle. At 300 feet AGL, realizing the mountains could not be cleared, the pilot initiated a turn toward an open area at a lower elevation. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a tree, impacted the ground, and came to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
A technical representative from Cessna and the US Forest Service examined the aircraft on-site. The inspection revealed that the flaps were extended to 40 degrees. Examination of the engine and airframe showed no mechanical failures.