Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s flight into a valley with rising terrain that the airplane was incapable of out-climbing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, he mistakenly entered the wrong valley with rising terrain, which the airplane could not out-climb. When the pilot determined that he would not out-climb the terrain or safely reverse course, he landed the airplane on the valley floor, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.