Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5 N1334R accident near Yacoit, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was climbing to cruise altitude up a valley in mountainous terrain when he felt a "small bump" and that the airplane subsequently began descending. While maintaining a low altitude to avoid overlying controlled airspace, he initiated a left turn to avoid rising terrain ahead, but a wing collided with a tree. The airplane came to rest in a gravel pit. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA306 for the full record.