Flight Route and Impact
After departing Sitka, the aircraft proceeded generally eastward through Blue Lake, Blue Lake Pass, and the "Cut"—a ridge oriented northeast/southwest with an elevation of approximately 3000 feet mean sea level. The impact site was located about 1 nautical mile southeast of the Cut, on the north face of the valley.
Wreckage Evidence
Investigators found both stall fences, located on the upper surface of each wing, imbedded in the ground. Their positions roughly corresponded to where they would have been located had the aircraft fallen to the ground vertically and in a relatively flat attitude.
Witness Reports
Several pilots operating in the vicinity of the accident site and Blue Lake Pass within several hours after the accident reported turbulence and strong northwesterly winds. Additionally, there were several reports of cloud spillover to the lee side of the Cut, indicative of downdrafts.