Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 8; Flight Crew Total 200; Flight Crew Type 180
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
I was on a sight seeing flight going up through Greer Valley towards the mountain flats of Big Lake in eastern Arizona. I pre-flighted; checked weight and balance and ran performance factors and density altitude. WNL takeoff and climb to Greer Valley which is west and south of D68. I spiraled up altitude in Greer Valley to 9;400 FT. I then proceeded up the valley to get up to the area I wanted to see. When near the top of the valley I stopped climbing and hit a 'sink hole of air.' I continued up the valley as there was no place to turn around and saw approaching terrain. Fearing I would run out of airspace and hit the ground I saw a v cut to my left and took it. While crossing a road I estimate I came within 6-8 feet of ground and then I [nearly] hit something which I believe was a snow road reflector post.My concern is I did not do a flight briefing although I was aware of performance factors. I believe the near hit was preventable by using better judgment on performance factors and being more generous on my safety factors. I will also always get a flight briefing even for local flights in VFR conditions.
A Ercoupe pilot flying out of a high altitude Arizona airport intending to sight see over even higher terrain found himself barely able to avoid ground obstacles while in mountainous terrain and unable to maintain altitude.