What happened
A commercial pilot was conducting a CFR Part 135/government flight to a remote coastal village to transport a single passenger. Prior to the intended landing at the village, weather conditions deteriorated as light snow began to fall and winds increased to approximately 20 knots. At the time of the aircraft's departure from the village on the accident flight, local residents reported visibility between 1/4 and 1/2 mile in blowing snow.
The flight failed to reach its destination. Following two days of blizzard conditions, the wreckage was located 8 miles away in snow-covered terrain. The unidentified aircraft struck the ground in a near vertical attitude, resulting in high-speed destruction. There were no fatalities reported among the occupants.
The investigation
An examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction. Investigators noted evidence of engine combustion, heat, and rotation during the engine examination. There was also no evidence that the pilot had obtained a weather briefing prior to the flight, despite area forecasts indicating isolated ceilings below 1,000 feet, visibilities below 3 miles in mist and blowing snow, and winds between 20 and 40 knots. Airmets were active for the area, covering moderate low-level turbulence, mountain obscuration, strong coastal surface winds, and moderate rime icing.