Summary
A motor-glider pilot reported that during a local flight, the aircraft encountered an area of unexpected sink. The pilot turned toward an area where lift was expected, but additional sink was encountered. When the motor-glider was approximately 300 feet above the trees, the pilot unfeathered the propeller and started the engine. Despite this action, the motor-glider continued to descend due to downdraft. The pilot then deployed the airframe parachute. The motor-glider continued to descend and impacted vegetation.
Damage
The motor-glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the motor-glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Conclusion
The accident investigation source did not state a probable cause.