Accident Details
On August 1, 1984, a pilot and one passenger departed from Kiana, Alaska, on a pleasure flight. Four days later, the pilot's mother traveled to Kotzebue, Alaska, to search for her son. Unable to locate him, she notified the Federal Aviation Administration. A search was initiated, and on August 6, 1984, the aircraft was located in a small lake near the Noatak River.
Witness Accounts
A family fishing near the accident site reported seeing the aircraft flying in an erratic manner and buzzing the shoreline prior to the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed damage typical of impacting in a stall/spin type of event. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology tests conducted on the pilot's and passenger's blood revealed alcohol levels of 0.150% and 0.210%, respectively. An interview with the passenger's wife indicated that the occupants had been drinking prior to the flight.
Weather Conditions
According to witnesses, weather conditions at the time included an overcast ceiling of less than 500 feet, with visibility variable and occasional obscuration in rain showers and fog.