What happened
A commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country flight under Part 91 regulations with six passengers on board. Shortly after taking off to the north, the aircraft encountered moderate and occasionally severe turbulence. In response to the weather conditions, the pilot decided to return to the departure airport by executing a right turn toward an area characterized by mountainous terrain.
During this maneuver, the wind increased significantly from the northeast. A series of strong downdrafts and associated windshear pushed the aircraft into tree-covered terrain. The impact caused the left wing to be severed from the fuselage. Following the collision, the aircraft pivoted 180 degrees and came to rest in a nose-high position.
The investigation
The investigation noted that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the impact.