What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft at a low altitude while traveling along the course of the Yukon River. During this phase of flight, the pilot elected to perform maneuvers close to the ground or water surface. While executing a turn, the airplane experienced a loss of airspeed. This aerodynamic stall or loss of control resulted in the aircraft colliding with the water.
The investigation
An examination of the accident scene and circumstances revealed significant safety violations regarding passenger accommodation. It was determined that a passenger had been seated in the extended baggage compartment during the flight. This area was not designed for human occupancy and lacked essential safety equipment.
Findings
The investigation identified critical factors contributing to the severity of the outcome. The passenger involved in the accident was fatally injured. This fatality was directly linked to the fact that the individual was sitting in the extended baggage compartment, which was not equipped with either a seat or a seat restraint system. The lack of proper seating and restraints meant the passenger could not be secured during the impact.
Safety message
Passenger compartments must be properly equipped with seats and restraint systems. Occupying areas not designed for human occupancy, such as extended baggage compartments, poses extreme risks during flight operations.