Accident Overview
The airplane was on a mission to track grizzly bears when it impacted trees and terrain along a mountain ridge. The accident occurred while the aircraft was flying from a westerly direction beneath a peak with an elevation of 10,870 feet. The prevailing weather at the time included strong, gusty winds from the southwest and turbulence.
Flight and Maneuvering
The flight involved maneuvering in close proximity to mountainous terrain. As the airplane progressed along the ridge, it encountered the reported windy conditions. The wind direction was from the southwest, which may have affected the aircraft's performance over the uneven terrain.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane struck trees and the ground at an estimated angle of 35 degrees. The wreckage was scattered along a path approximately 200 feet long. A ground fire fueled by the aircraft's fuel was observed at the accident site. Investigators examined the wreckage for any signs of preimpact failure.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. All components were functional at the time of impact, based on the evidence available. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the accident.