What happened
The aircraft departed from a runway but failed to remain on the paved surface during the landing phase. According to the pilot's account, he lost control of the airplane as it touched down, causing it to veer off the pavement and travel approximately 40 feet across the grass before coming to rest.
At the time of the incident, the rear seat had been removed to accommodate cargo. A six-year-old boy was positioned in the rear section of the cabin, seated directly on top of a pile containing rope and cans of gas. The pilot later stated that he did not believe a seat was necessary for the child, citing a local practice where such arrangements were common in Alaska.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the landing roll. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the runway excursion. The primary finding related to the pilot's decision-making regarding passenger safety and cargo configuration.