Primary finding
Probable cause
An inadvertent stall while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Factors include lack of experience in this type of operation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The recently certificated private pilot flew into a valley, initiated a climb, then recognized that the aircraft was not climbing rapidly enough to clear the end of the valley. He attempted a course reversal, stalled, and collided with terrain while attempting to recover.
Source record
Factual narrative
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