Flight Details
The flight was intended for a passenger to take photographs. The area's elevation was 1,400 feet mean sea level (msl). The pilot descended to 2,000 feet msl and slowed to 90 miles per hour (mph) with flaps extended 10 degrees.
Sequence of Events
During a turn with approximately 15 degrees of bank, the airplane lost 200 feet of altitude. The pilot immediately rolled out of the turn, applied full power, and encountered rising terrain. He began looking for a place to descend in order to "pick up some airspeed." A flat spot in a canyon was observed, and he proceeded toward that area at 60 mph. After maneuvering around a house and power lines, the airplane impacted an oak tree and came to rest inverted.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot concluded that he was operating the airplane too low and allowed himself to become trapped in a canyon with rising terrain.
Mechanical Findings
No mechanical malfunctions were noted with the airplane.