Accident Sequence
The aircraft took off on a night flight to Bethel. Shortly after departure, it crashed just north of the east/west runway in a nose-down attitude on a southwesterly heading. The aircraft was destroyed during impact but continued sliding approximately 35 yards to the north edge of the runway, then overturned and came to rest about 120 feet from the initial impact point.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the aircraft had landed at some time between 2300 and 0015 ADT. At about 0030, thick fog formed in the vicinity of the airport, which was located beside a river. The aircraft reportedly took off about five minutes prior to the accident, which occurred around 0055 ADT.
Witness Account
At about the time of the accident, a witness on a river barge saw an aircraft flying along the river, heading toward the airport.
Wreckage Discovery
The wreckage was not found until approximately 0900 ADT, when another aircraft was taxiing for takeoff.
Pilot-Related Information
The pilot had purchased some alcoholic beverages and was transporting them in the aircraft. One bottle had its seal broken and was also broken. A blood test of the pilot showed only a trace of alcohol, which could have been attributed to putrefaction.