Accident Details
A private pilot, flying with a passenger, was involved in an accident after a low-level flyby of a runway at an airport located in mountainous terrain. The pilot reported that during the flyby, at an altitude of about 15 to 20 feet above ground level, he experienced a strong downdraft. While attempting a go-around into rising terrain, the airplane collided with trees.
Pilot Background
The pilot stated that he obtained his private pilot license to facilitate routine business trips exceeding 100 miles over mountainous terrain. He had completed the roundtrip several times but had never landed at any of the four alternate airports along the route. On the day of the accident, he decided to bring a friend and check out the airports on the return leg.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the first airport was closed, so they overflew the runway at 500 feet above ground level. They landed at the second airport, then departed. At the third airport, they performed a touch-and-go landing. The pilot informed his passenger that they would not land at the fourth airport but would instead conduct a low-level flyby.
During his training, the pilot's flight instructor had advised him that the accident airport had a one-way runway due to obstructions at the north end. Published information indicated that landings were made on runway 36 and takeoffs on runway 18 because of rising terrain and unfavorable winds. The pilot reported the wind at the time as 300 degrees at 10 knots. The density altitude was calculated to be approximately 3,773 feet.
Investigation Findings
The accident sequence involved a low-level flyby of runway 36, followed by a downdraft and a go-around attempt that led to collision with trees. The official investigation source does not provide additional analysis or a stated probable cause.