Flight Details
A passenger, who was a hunter, hired a pilot to fly him around a wilderness area. According to the passenger, his intention was to 'learn the country and spot animals' before the hunting season. The pilot told the passenger that he had never flown over that wilderness area before. The passenger reported that the airplane performed normally throughout the flight.
Witness Report
The passenger stated that they were 'not low' as they turned up a valley and started climbing towards rising terrain. However, a nearby camper reported seeing an airplane flying up the valley at a low altitude shortly before the estimated time of the accident.
Accident Sequence
As the airplane approached the summit, it struck trees. After hitting the trees, the aircraft nosed into the ground and then rolled inverted. The passenger is the surviving individual from the flight.
Operator Statement
According to the airplane operator, the pilot had taken the airplane without their permission.