Overview
An airplane accident occurred while the aircraft was attempting to climb over rising terrain. According to the pilot, the airplane had a good rate of climb until reaching the ridge line, at which point it encountered downdrafts. The airplane then stopped climbing and began a descent. The pilot raised the nose in an attempt to clear the ridge and heard the stall warning horn. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and impacted terrain about 200 feet below the ridge line.
Flight Details
The pilot flew the airplane at an altitude of 10,600 feet msl toward the leeward side of a ridge after departure from the local airport. The pilot reported that the climb performance was satisfactory until the aircraft reached the ridge line.
Accident Sequence
Upon reaching the ridge, the airplane ceased its climb and started descending. In response, the pilot increased the pitch attitude by raising the nose. The stall warning horn activated, indicating an impending stall. Shortly thereafter, the airplane stalled and collided with terrain approximately 200 feet below the crest of the ridge.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the airplane encountered downdrafts while attempting to climb over rising terrain. The pilot's actions included raising the nose after the descent began, which was followed by a stall. The aircraft impacted terrain at a location below the ridge line.