What happened
A certificated commercial pilot was operating the second aircraft in a two-plane formation flight through mountainous terrain. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot lost visual contact with the lead aircraft, though radio communication remained functional.
As the flight continued, weather conditions worsened as rain began to fall, resulting in low ceilings and reduced visibility. During this period, the pilot became disoriented regarding his precise position and inadvertently turned into a narrow valley.
Upon entering the valley, the pilot observed the terrain rising and responded by initiating a climb. However, the valley walls narrowed, making a turn-around maneuver impossible, and the aircraft became enveloped in clouds. As the pilot continued the climb, the terrain continued to ascend and the aircraft's airspeed began to decrease. The aircraft subsequently collided with the rising terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. There were no reported fatalities or injuries.