On March 20, 1993, a Piper PA-14 (registration N5153H) operated by Austin, Marshall R. was involved in an aviation accident near Rainey Pass, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S ATTEMPT TO FLY VFR IN IMC CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot departed despite a known weather closure at Rainey Pass, flying into a box canyon where the aircraft impacted terrain during a climbing turn in snow showers.
What happened
The pilot-in-command received a weather briefing that explicitly indicated Rainey Pass was closed due to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions. Despite this information, the pilot departed from Rohn Airstrip and proceeded toward the pass. The aircraft entered a box canyon located approximately 3.5 miles west of the intended route. While attempting to navigate through the terrain in a climbing turn, the airplane impacted the ground.
The investigation
Investigation details regarding mechanical examination or specific wreckage analysis are not included in the source text provided.
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