Flight Details
The pilot was conducting a personal scenic tour flight. The airplane was climbing southwest and approaching 9,000 feet mean sea level. The pilot planned to cross a mountain saddle at an altitude between 400 and 500 feet above ground level.
Encounter with Downdrafts
During the climb, the flight encountered a strong downdraft. The airspeed dropped to about 80 mph, and the airplane stopped climbing. Shortly thereafter, the airplane encountered another downdraft, which caused it to begin descending.
Pilot Response and Impact
The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by applying full engine power, but was unsuccessful. He maneuvered the airplane to avoid some trees before impacting the rising terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the tail section.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.