Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s delayed decision to exit the valley with rising terrain and failure to maintain clearance from trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that, while en route he mistakenly turned into the wrong valley with rising terrain. The pilot stated that he waited too long before he made a turn to exit the valley. During the turn, the airplane struck trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.