Event Summary
A non-instrument-rated pilot conducting a VFR flight from Anchorage to Bethel, Alaska, experienced disorientation and crashed into rising terrain. The pilot had been advised that VFR flight was not recommended. While en route, he flew VFR-on-top and communicated with McGrath Flight Service Station, indicating he would descend through a hole in the clouds to land and refuel at Lime, Alaska. At 1948 ADT, he reported being en route again, 150 miles east of Bethel.
Flight Sequence
At 2054, the pilot contacted Bethel Flight Service Station for traffic and weather advisories, reporting that he was 40 miles east in "a little bit of fog." Approximately ten minutes later, he stated he was getting disoriented and requested assistance, then reported "60 miles out." He indicated he could not see to set his transponder to 7700 (at night). At 2106, he reported being at 6,000 feet and asked about forecast ceilings and "how high can I go to get up out of this if I get some reference." Radio contact was lost for about 12 minutes, after which the pilot said he was at 3,700 feet and still 58 miles from Bethel. No DF strobe or radar information was obtained; a DF steer was initiated at 2119 but was not attained.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft impacted rising terrain with a slope of 45 to 50 degrees, approximately 100 feet below a mountain ridge at the 3,200-foot level. No pre-impact part failure or malfunction was found. Examination revealed an engine RPM of 2,699, throttle and mixture full forward, and airspeed of 30 knots. The propeller was found 15 feet uphill from the wreckage with extensive damage.