Overview
A pilot took off from a dry lake bed with the intention of flying to an airport. After about five minutes of cruising at low altitude, the flight encountered strong winds, downdrafts, and rising terrain. The airplane managed to climb over the first ridge. However, as it approached a second ridge, the pilot reported encountering a severe downdraft, causing the airplane to pancake into the up-sloping rocky ground. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Sequence of Events
The flight began with a takeoff from a dry lake bed. The pilot's intended destination was an airport. For approximately five minutes, the airplane cruised at a low altitude en route. During this time, the pilot experienced strong winds and downdrafts in conjunction with rising terrain. Despite these conditions, the airplane was able to climb over the first ridge it encountered. As the flight neared a second ridge, the pilot reported a severe downdraft that forced the airplane downward. The airplane then pancaked into the up-sloping rocky ground, ending the flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided a report of the event, noting that the weather conditions included strong winds and downdrafts. The pilot specifically mentioned encountering a severe downdraft while approaching the second ridge. He also confirmed that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to or during the event. The report did not specify any injuries to occupants or damage to the airplane beyond the impact with the terrain.
Investigation Findings
The investigation focused on the conditions described by the pilot. No mechanical deficiencies were identified. The primary factors were the strong winds, downdrafts, and rising terrain that the pilot encountered while flying at low altitude. The airplane's encounter with a severe downdraft near the second ridge led to the forced landing on the up-sloping rocky ground.