Flight Purpose
A flight was conducted for the purpose of locating elk. According to passenger accounts, the aircraft entered a canyon during the flight.
Canyon Encounter
One passenger reported that the airplane flew into a canyon and began climbing toward a ridge. The pilot was observed moving the throttle in and out, and the engine sputtered. Another passenger stated that they were flying at an altitude of about 7,800 feet, "even with some mountain tops," when they entered the canyon in a south-to-north direction. The aircraft was between 200 and 500 feet above ground level (AGL) at that time. The pilot indicated that they needed to gain altitude. The passenger realized they needed to "get out of there" and conveyed this to the pilot.
Attempt to Climb
The passenger noted that the pilot continued manipulating the throttle, and the engine sounded as if it were "bogging down." The pilot then held the control yoke with both hands and looked out both sides of the airplane, appearing to consider a course change. It seemed the pilot was trying to climb over an approaching peak. However, the aircraft could not climb faster than the rising terrain. A third passenger observed that the ground appeared to be rising faster than the airplane was climbing.
Collision
The airplane pitched up and struck some small trees in a nose-high attitude. After contacting the trees, the aircraft spun around and subsequently hit the ground.
Investigation
An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airplane. The engine was later tested and operated satisfactorily, achieving a maximum of 2,350 rpm.