What happened
The flight originated in Homer, Alaska, with the destination being Anchorage. The route between these two locations featured segments of marginal weather conditions. Prior to departure, the pilot, who held an airline transport rating, was offered transportation by automobile that would have allowed him to arrive in Anchorage on time for a scheduled commitment. He declined this offer and chose to fly instead.
The aircraft departed Homer carrying the pilot, his wife, and their infant child. During the flight, the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated, alerting other pilots to the accident. These pilots reported the weather conditions at the crash scene. The airplane ultimately crashed approximately 17 miles from the VOR.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence consistent with a spin-type maneuver occurring just before impact. The wreckage showed minimal rotation at the moment of collision with the ground. A mechanical inspection found no discrepancies in the aircraft prior to the impact that would have contributed to the accident. Fuel was present in the right tank, and the fuel selector switch was positioned to draw from this tank.