What happened
The flight involved a float-equipped aircraft utilized primarily for cargo transport. At the departure point, a passenger boarded at the last minute. The pilot determined that the total weight of the aircraft remained within its maximum allowable limits. Following takeoff, the pilot maintained a low altitude to allow the new passenger to take photographs. During the en route phase toward Merrill Pass, the pilot initiated a climb.
As the aircraft entered the pass, it began descending at a rate of 500 feet per minute. The pilot attempted to execute a turn back while in a bowl-shaped area but was unable to clear the surrounding terrain during the maneuver. The pilot subsequently leveled the wings and performed a crash landing. The elevation of the crash site was approximately 3,000 feet.
The investigation
Weather conditions at the time were reported with a temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and light, variable winds. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact with the terrain.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude due to weight and performance limitations in mountainous terrain. The pilot's decision to carry an additional passenger without verifying the weight and balance calculations likely resulted in the aircraft being overloaded, preventing successful terrain clearance during the turn back.