On August 30, 1993, a Cessna 185 (registration N70087) operated by Dowding, Roger D. was involved in an aviation accident near Hulahula River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH TERRAIN AND THE OBSCURATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Search aircraft located wreckage near the 7000-foot level of a top of pass in an upsloping ravine after the pilot decided to return due to unfavorable weather conditions ahead.
What happened
The pilot communicated that the weather in the mountain pass ahead did not look favorable and would return to the remote camp if unable to make it through. A witness reported the high terrain was obscured in clouds. Search aircraft located wreckage near 7000 foot level of top of pass in a 20 degree upsloping ravine. A post crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The wreckage was not recovered.
The investigation
Search aircraft located wreckage near 7000 foot level of top of pass in a 20 degree upsloping ravine. A post crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The wreckage was not recovered.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Aug 1993 Cessna 185 accident near Hulahula River, AK?
Search aircraft located wreckage near the 7000-foot level of a top of pass in an upsloping ravine after the pilot decided to return due to unfavorable weather conditions ahead.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna 185, registration N70087, operated by Dowding, Roger D., at Hulahula River, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH TERRAIN AND THE OBSCURATION.
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