Accident Overview
The aircraft struck the ground in a near-vertical dive. Witnesses reported hearing the engine at high power until immediately before impact.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, witnesses described cloudy and cool conditions with light rain beginning to fall, mixed with snow. Cloud bases were variable, with areas of low ceilings and reduced visibility. Approximately 11 miles northwest at Willow, Alaska, the weather at 1050 AST was reported as: 12,000 ft broken ceiling, visibility 50 miles, wind from 310 degrees at 6 knots, temperature 38°F. The freezing level was forecast at 12,000 ft. Light to occasional moderate rime icing was expected in clouds and precipitation above that altitude. Moderate turbulence was forecast below 5,000 ft near rough terrain.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated only about 15 hours of flight time in this aircraft and had no recent instrument flight experience. Additionally, the pilot had logged no known flight time during the three months preceding the accident. The pilot had previously been treated for high blood pressure, but its relationship to the accident could not be determined.
Aircraft Examination
No preimpact mechanical discrepancies were noted in the aircraft systems.