Departure and Conditions
The pilot initiated departure from an airport where the density altitude was approximately 8,500 feet. Winds were gusting to 15 knots from the west, and the airport was located in a valley immediately east of peaks rising to about 11,000 feet. These geographical features produced terrain-induced downdrafts and unfavorable winds at the time of departure.
Flight Profile
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft—loaded to within 120 pounds of its maximum allowable gross weight—entered an area of sinking air. The aircraft then rapidly descended to an altitude just a few feet above the ground, and its airspeed dropped to approximately 40 miles per hour.
Pilot Actions
As the aircraft continued to decelerate, the pilot realized it would soon contact the terrain. He therefore selected a location to "put it down." The touchdown was successful, but during the rollout over soft terrain, the nose gear sank into the ground and a wing collided with the terrain.