Accident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting an instructional flight that included sightseeing over mountainous terrain. According to the flight instructor's report, the airplane was flown at 800 to 1000 feet above ground level while maneuvering around rising terrain.
Flight Details
The student pilot maneuvered the airplane toward "fairly significant" terrain. The flight instructor reported that it was assumed the airplane had sufficient performance to outclimb the rising terrain ahead. However, the instructor soon realized the airplane was in a "box canyon" and would not be able to climb above the surrounding terrain.
Impact and Damage
The flight instructor took over the flight controls and "pitched the aircraft up to stall speed." Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted trees. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the airplane.
Mechanical Status
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.