Incident Overview
A flight instructor and his student, both from Fort Worth, Texas, were crossing a mountain ridge eastbound at an altitude of 9,500 feet MSL. During the crossing, the flight instructor reported that they encountered a serious downdraft. He immediately initiated a 180-degree turn, then reversed direction again back to eastbound. The flight instructor stated that the airplane was descending at about 2,500 feet per minute with full power applied. The student reported hearing the stall horn just as the airplane contacted some trees.
Environmental Conditions
According to the source, the forecast wind aloft was approximately 10 knots at 9,000 feet MSL. The density altitude at 10,000 feet was calculated to be 13,061 feet. Using the manufacturer's Climb Performance charts, the airplane (registration N54TM) had an estimated climb capability of approximately 210 feet per minute under the conditions.
Pilot Background
The flight instructor reported that he acquired most of his flight training in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before moving to Fort Worth, Texas.
Additional Details
The degree of bank used by the flight instructor during his turns was not documented in the source. The source references a book, 'Flight Theory For Pilots,' which states that as turning bank angle increases, the energy demands to maintain level flight asymptotically increase. However, no further analysis or conclusions are provided.
No information regarding aircraft type, engine count, date, operator, location specifics (beyond general description), occupants beyond the two individuals, injuries, or extent of damage is included in the source.