Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 255; Flight Crew Type 240
Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace
Weather
During the climbout Departure gave instructions to turn left heading 080 and climb to 7;000 feet. At around 4;400 feet my climb started to degrade and airspeed started to decrease. I quickly realized that I was now in a downdraft and I was unable to maintain at least a 500 FPM climb. As the flight progressed the Controller asked if I had the mountain ahead of me in sight and I told the Controller I did. The Controller thence gave instructions to turn west and continue my climb to 7;000 feet and once over the Airfield to turn south.Once on the heading of 180 the Controller gave instructions to turn 080 and continue my climb. According to the Controller I went below the Minimum vectoring altitude causing a deviation. After reaching my cruise altitude I realized I failed to communicate with ATC when I was unable to continue a safe climb while in the downdraft and nearing mountainous terrain. It was truly a lesson for me to speak up and talk to ATC when in this situation. I took for granted that although operating in VMC conditions and under the direction of ATC; safety and communication will always remain the key to flying safely.
After departure the pilot of a C172S was not able to maintain the required climb performance because of downdrafts in mountainous terrain; and additionally failed to stay in contact with ATC. Upon reaching cruise altitude the Departure Controller informed him that he had descended below the MVA.