What happened
A Border Patrol pilot was conducting routine patrol operations over rolling terrain at an estimated altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level. While the pilot was executing a right turn and crossing a ridge, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of lift, described as "the bottom fell out."
In an attempt to recover from the descent, the pilot applied full power and leveled the wings. Despite these corrective actions, the pilot was unable to arrest the rate of descent, and the aircraft impacted the next ridge line.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies or failures that would have prevented normal flight operations. Environmental factors noted during the investigation included a calculated density altitude of approximately 7,428 feet at the time of the accident.