According to the pilot, he was conducting a low reconnaissance flight over a mountain ridgeline to determine its suitability as an off-airport landing site. The pilot stated that he was not paying attention to the airplane's airspeed as he completed the flyover and approached rising terrain. In an effort to avoid the rising terrain, he initiated a go-around by applying full power and starting a left turn, but the right wing stalled and struck terrain. The airplane cartwheeled sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.