Incident Overview
A pilot approached a mountain pass to assess whether weather conditions would allow a safe transit to the destination. Upon nearing the pass, the pilot determined that the clearance between the terrain and the overcast sky was insufficient. Consequently, the pilot elected to reverse the aircraft's course.
Flight Details
During the reversal maneuver, the pilot reduced airspeed to 65 knots, deployed 20 degrees of flaps, and maintained an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet above the terrain. Immediately after completing the roll-out from the course reversal, the aircraft descended and settled into the trees below.
Pilot's Speculation
The pilot considered the possibility that the descent was initiated by a passenger accidentally moving the flap switch to the full-up position; however, the pilot was uncertain whether this had occurred. As the aircraft sank below tree-top level, the pilot moved the flap switch to the full-down position.
No further details were provided regarding aircraft damage or occupant status.