What happened
While operating an air tour flight, the pilot was circling approximately 700 feet above ground level along a shoreline to observe a moose. During this time, the pilot maintained radio communication with another air tour pilot flying roughly 1/2 mile behind.
After completing a turn over the moose, the pilot began a descent. The pilot then notified the trailing aircraft via radio of an intention to circle a bear and her cubs located on the shoreline. Both the in-trail pilot and a witness on the ground observed the aircraft initiate turns toward rapidly rising terrain. Following these turns, the aircraft leveled its wings and entered a climb in a nose-high attitude toward the rising terrain, eventually impacting trees approximately 500 feet above the shoreline. No distress calls were made prior to the impact.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage was conducted and found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction. Weather conditions at the time of the accident included an on-shore wind of approximately 10 knots.
Safety message
The director of flight operations stated a recommendation that pilots should not circle wildlife during flightseeing flights.