Flight Description
The accident occurred during an air tour flight. After departure, the pilot circled at about 700 feet above ground level along a shoreline to observe a moose. The pilot was in radio communication with another air tour pilot who was approximately half a mile in trail. After completing the turn above the moose, the in-trail pilot observed the accident aircraft begin a descent. The accident pilot then radioed that he wanted to circle around a bear and her cubs on the shoreline.
Witness Observations
The in-trail pilot and a ground witness observed the accident airplane initiate turns toward rapidly rising terrain. The airplane then leveled its wings and climbed in a nose-high attitude toward the terrain. The aircraft impacted trees about 500 feet above the shoreline. No distress calls were reported.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction. At the time, an onshore wind of about 10 knots prevailed.
Operational Recommendation
The director of flight operations stated that he recommends to his pilots to not circle game during flightseeing flights.