Distracted commander pilot clips tree

Commander 690, Wenatchee, Wash., Aug. 17, 2009–The twin turboprop suffered damage to its wing spar and ailerons after hitting trees during a family scenic mountain flight. According to a passenger, as the aircraft flew over a local ski area, friends of the family were spotted in the parking lot. The pilot performed a climbing turn for another pass and was looking for them, reportedly failing to monitor his altitude, when he struck the trees. The Commander landed safely at its departure airport. None of the four people on board was injured.