Accident Description
The airplane collided with rising terrain while maneuvering to gain altitude shortly after departure. The departure was uneventful. As the airplane approached a mountain range, the pilot opted to execute a 360-degree turn in an effort to gain altitude. While turning, he noticed a significant downdraft. Despite the continuous use of full throttle, the airplane was unable to climb. The pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane to avoid contacting terrain, but the airplane descended at about 250 feet per minute and impacted the terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. He thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had maneuvered the airplane away from mountainous terrain.
Density Altitude
With the temperature and pressure from the nearest reporting station, the density altitude was calculated to be in excess of 4,800 feet.