NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that while flying in mountainous terrain around 9,500 ft. mean sea level (700 to 1,200 ft. above the ground), the airplane encountered a downdraft. He added that he immediately turned away from the mountainside in a right turn, added full power, selected 10º of flaps, and pitched the nose up to maintain the airplane's maximum angle of climb airspeed (Vx). Subsequently, the pilot was unable to establish a climb and impacted wooded snow covered terrain along the mountainside.

The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The calculated density altitude near the flight path was about 10,339 ft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Koch Chart, the airplane would have experienced a 50% decrease to the normal rate of climb.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane over mountainous terrain in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain altitude or establish a climb.