Accident Overview
The accident occurred while the aircraft was in flight at a very low altitude over mountainous terrain. As the aircraft neared a ridge crest, it began to buffet, indicating an approach to aerodynamic stall, and subsequently encountered a downslope wind condition (downdraft). The combination of the stall proximity and the downdraft forced the aircraft into trees. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Accident Details
The aircraft was flying over mountainous terrain at a very low altitude. As it approached the crest of a ridge, the aircraft experienced buffeting, a sign of an approaching stall. Simultaneously, the aircraft encountered a downslope wind condition, commonly referred to as a downdraft. The combination of the stall condition and the downdraft pushed the aircraft downward into trees. The collision with the trees resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot, who was the only person on board.
Official Findings
The official investigation identified three occurrences. The first occurrence was an in-flight collision with an object (trees) during maneuvering. Contributing findings included the presence of a downdraft, and the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and proper climb rate. The second occurrence was a loss of control in flight. The third occurrence was an in-flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent, with the terrain being mountainous/hilly.