Incident Overview
A pilot reported an incident involving a loss of altitude and a collision with treetops while reversing course in a valley. According to the pilot's account, the aircraft was in a 30-degree banking turn with an airspeed of 80-90 knots. As the turn was completed, the stall warning horn activated and the aircraft began losing altitude. The pilot noted that the airspeed had dropped to "well below 60 knots."
Pilot Actions
In response to the stall warning and altitude loss, the pilot lowered the nose to increase airspeed. However, the aircraft could not gain sufficient altitude to clear nearby trees. The left wing and left side horizontal stabilizer subsequently struck the tops of the trees.
Outcome
Despite the collision, the aircraft remained airborne. The pilot flew to a nearby airport and landed without further incident.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported that the weather was clear with light winds. Specifically, there was "no turbulence or indications of up-or downdrafts, just light chops over a couple of mountain ridges I crossed."