What happened
The pilot and two passengers were conducting a local flight with the specific purpose of spotting moose in the area. During this operation, the aircraft was being flown at a low altitude with the flaps extended to facilitate better visibility or maneuverability. While navigating over rising terrain, the aircraft collided with trees before impacting the ground and subsequently burning.
The initial impact occurred with a tree that was approximately 75 feet tall, striking it about 60 feet above the ground level at that location. Following the collision and ground impact, the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Regarding the events leading up to the crash, neither of the surviving passengers recalled hearing any stall warning horn prior to the impact.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. Key findings included the fact that the initial contact with the terrain involved a tall tree rather than the ground itself. Investigators noted the position of the flaps during the incident, which were extended at the time of the collision.
Findings
Contributing factors to the accident included the low-altitude flight profile over rising terrain and the subsequent loss of control or inability to clear obstacles. The absence of a recalled stall warning horn among the survivors was noted as a specific detail of the event timeline.