On July 1, 1995, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N8385G) was involved in an aviation accident near Kodiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly through a mountain pass in rapidly varying inclement weather, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering to reverse course. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed while maneuvering to reverse course near the bottom of a mountain pass due to rapidly varying inclement weather, fog, and low ceilings.
What happened
The pilot was operating one of six aircraft that attempted to navigate through a mountain pass during conditions of rapidly changing inclement weather. While maneuvering to reverse course near the bottom of the pass, the aircraft impacted terrain. Individuals who arrived at the scene shortly after the accident reported fog and low ceilings within the pass. The base of the clouds was observed to be as low as one hundred feet above the crash site.
Findings
The operational environment presented significant challenges due to the rapidly varying weather conditions. The presence of fog and extremely low cloud bases contributed to the difficulty of navigation during the reversal maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly through a mountain pass in rapidly varying inclement weather, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering to reverse course.
What happened in the 1 Jul 1995 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Kodiak, AK?
An aircraft crashed while maneuvering to reverse course near the bottom of a mountain pass due to rapidly varying inclement weather, fog, and low ceilings.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1995 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N8385G, at Kodiak, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to fly through a mountain pass in rapidly varying inclement weather, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering to reverse course.
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