What happened
The pilot-in-command, holding an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, departed on a solo air-taxi operation carrying cargo only. The flight was scheduled for a destination located 83 statute miles to the northeast of the departure airport. Departure occurred at 1104 Alaska Standard Time.
This pilot is normally assigned to co-pilot duties on multi-engine aircraft and had not previously flown over this specific terrain. Consequently, he lacked familiarity with the local geography during this solo leg. The aircraft impacted rising terrain approximately 40 statute miles northeast of the departure airport, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The pilot reported no memory of the flight prior to the accident. He sustained minor injuries and was knocked unconscious during the impact. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Coast Guard personnel, who recovered the pilot approximately 24 hours after the crash.
Weather conditions at the specific crash site were not directly recorded. However, a separate pilot operating in the general vicinity shortly after the incident reported localized areas of fog and snow. These conditions reduced visibility to less than one-half mile, suggesting potential instrument meteorological conditions contributed to the loss of situational awareness.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed the surviving pilot. Key findings included the pilot's lack of familiarity with the terrain and the reported weather conditions in the area. The aircraft was substantially damaged upon impact.
Findings
Contributing factors identified during the review included:
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the terrain being flown over.
- Reported localized fog and snow reducing visibility below one-half mile.
- The pilot's inability to recall the flight prior to impact, suggesting possible spatial disorientation or unconsciousness due to hypoxia or trauma.