Event Overview
A private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 in mountainous terrain. According to the pilot's report, as the airplane passed near an area of steep terrain, it encountered a strong downdraft, causing the airplane to begin descending. The pilot added full engine power in an attempt to stop the descent, but the airplane continued descending until it impacted an area of down-sloping tundra-covered terrain.
Damage and Conditions
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The pilot characterized the wind on the ground as light and variable but reported encountering stronger winds just before the accident. The pilot noted in his report to the NTSB that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Pilot's Remarks
In his statement, the pilot indicated that the accident might have been avoided if he had been flying at a higher altitude, which would have provided more altitude for a recovery. No further details were provided regarding weather conditions or any other factors.