Incident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country flight for other work use under Title 14, CFR Part 91, with six passengers on board. Shortly after takeoff to the north, the flight encountered moderate, sometimes severe, turbulence. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport by executing a right turn, directing the airplane toward an area of mountainous terrain.
Sequence of Events
During the turn, the wind increased significantly out of the northeast. A series of strong downdrafts and associated windshear pushed the airplane into the tree-covered terrain. Upon impact, the left wing was severed from the fuselage. The airplane then pivoted 180 degrees and came to rest in a nose-high position.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.
Investigation Findings
No probable cause has been stated in the source material. The encounter with downdrafts and windshear during the turn in mountainous terrain was described as a factor in the accident sequence.