What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot observed that the windsock indicated no wind; however, the pilot had not obtained a forecasted winds aloft briefing. After departing toward the mountains, the pilot maintained an indicated airspeed (IAS) of 85 to 90 knots while climbing east.
Upon turning the aircraft southwest and climbing through 10,000 feet—representing a density altitude of approximately 11,000 feet—the pilot's IAS decreased to between 60 and 65 knots. Following this drop in airspeed, the aircraft began descending at a rate of 800 to 1,200 feet per minute. The pilot reported that the nose could not be lowered even with the yoke moved to the full forward position. While maintaining level wings, the pilot applied full aft yoke input shortly before the aircraft impacted trees.