On January 27, 1985, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N4112D) operated by Bering Air was involved in an aviation accident near Savoonga, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference due to whiteout conditions, which resulted in a collision with rising terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot overflew the airport while watching a village, encountered whiteout conditions, and collided with rising terrain during marginal VFR weather.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the arrival phase of flight, he overflew the airport and initiated a right turn while observing a nearby village. As he maneuvered in this area, he encountered whiteout conditions which severely limited visibility. The pilot turned too far and subsequently collided with rising terrain.
The investigation
The weather over the general area prior to and at the time of the accident was reported as marginal VFR.
Findings
marginal VFR weather conditions
Whiteout conditions encountered during maneuvering
Pilot collision with rising terrain after turning too far
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference due to whiteout conditions, which resulted in a collision with rising terrain.
