What happened
A charter flight departed Bethel, Alaska, to perform a moose count survey between Russian Mission and Marshall. The flight was carrying a passenger who served as a wildlife biologist for the State of Alaska. The flight plan included a scheduled refueling stop at Emmonak, but the aircraft failed to arrive at that location.
The wreckage was eventually located near the Yukon River. The airplane was found in a steep, nose-down position with its nose buried in the earth. The impact site was characterized by a near-vertical crash path profile, as evidenced by the fact that only trees immediately adjacent to the aircraft sustained damage. The surrounding terrain was flat and covered in trees, featuring several areas where moose had bedded down.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine, airframe, and flight controls of the aircraft, but found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. Additionally, a review of the airplane's tachometer indicated that the engine had operated for only 1.6 hours since the flight departed from Bethel.