Incident Overview
An airline transport rated pilot, accompanied by his wife and infant child, departed Homer in his personal airplane despite marginal weather conditions along the route to Anchorage. The pilot had been encouraged to take advantage of an offer to travel by automobile and still arrive in time for a commitment in Anchorage, but he declined.
Accident Details
The airplane crashed approximately 17 miles from the VOR navigational aid. Weather at the accident scene was reported by pilots who were alerted to the accident by the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage indicated that the airplane had been in a spin-type maneuver with minimal rotation at the time of impact. No pre-impact discrepancies were noted with the aircraft. The right fuel tank contained fuel, and the fuel selector was positioned to that tank.
Summary
The accident occurred in marginal weather conditions, with the pilot having declined alternative ground transportation. The circumstances leading to the spin-type maneuver remain unconfirmed, as no mechanical anomalies were found.