What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage after colliding with terrain in a rugged, mountainous region. According to statements provided to Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, the pilot was engaged in observing elk when he entered a draw characterized by rising ground. During this phase of flight, the pilot adjusted the wing flaps sequentially, beginning with ten degrees of extension, increasing them to thirty degrees, and finally extending them fully before the collision occurred.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the flight path leading up to the accident. Observations indicated that the airplane had flown directly along the centerline of the draw. The terrain rose continuously ahead, and the aircraft impacted this rising ground without deviation from the channel.
Findings
The pilot was distracted by wildlife at a critical time. The combination of rising terrain in a confined draw and the pilot's lack of visual scanning for obstacles contributed to the collision. Despite the deployment of flaps, the aircraft could not overcome the topographical constraints while the pilot's attention was fixed on the animals.
Safety message
Pilots operating in mountainous terrain must maintain constant vigilance for rising ground and obstacles. Distractions, such as wildlife viewing, can lead to loss of situational awareness and controlled flight into terrain accidents.