Narrative
The pilot, flying an aircraft into an unfamiliar airstrip, reported that the approach was listed as difficult, requiring advanced mountain skills. The pilot noted that instruction from an experienced mountain flying instructor should be obtained before landing there.
Sequence of Events
The approach path led through a narrow mountain canyon, following a river and circling a conical peak. The threshold of the airstrip became visible approximately 1500 feet away. If the approach is stable, the pilot makes a right turn through an opening in the trees about 100 feet wide. In this instance, the pilot reported that during the right turn to final approach, the left wing was near the tree line, describing it as "really tight." Increasing the right bank to adjust placed the aircraft on a collision course with trees on the right side. The pilot then banked to the left, but the aircraft felt "sluggish." Adding power and raising the nose to execute a go-around, the stall horn sounded, and the pilot realized a collision with trees was unavoidable. He lowered the nose, reduced power, and leveled the wings. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and then the ground.
Pilot Background
The pilot reported having some mountain flying experience. The passenger, a private pilot, had been into this airstrip the previous week.
Mechanical Status
No mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft were reported at the time of the accident.