Accident Overview
A private pilot and his non-pilot adult male passenger were en route from Modesto, California, to Soldotna, Alaska, for a hunting trip. The pilot, who had accumulated approximately 164 hours of total flight time at the time of the accident, had no prior flying experience in Alaska. While attempting to fly over a mountain range, the aircraft struck a mountain glacier at the 5,600-foot level.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions at the time were reported as less than visual flight rules (VFR), with moderate to severe turbulence, rain, and clouds obscuring the mountains.
Advisory Prior to Flight
The pilot's former flight instructor had reportedly advised him not to undertake the flight due to his lack of experience and the potentially severe weather conditions in Alaska.