Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the flight was a low reconnaissance mission over a mountain ridgeline to assess its suitability as an off-airport landing site. The pilot stated that during the flyover, he was not monitoring the airplane's airspeed. After completing the pass, the airplane approached rising terrain.
Maneuver and Impact
To avoid the rising terrain, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and beginning a left turn. During this maneuver, the right wing stalled and struck the terrain. The airplane subsequently cartwheeled, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.