What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-05 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N756HG, at Iliamna, AK.

Airplane Impacts Snow-Covered Tundra in Left Bank; No Mechanical Anomaly Found (N756HG)

On February 5, 2000, a Cessna U206G (registration N756HG) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempted flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance above the snow-covered tundra. Factors associated with the accident were snow, rain, and whiteout conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An airplane impacted featureless snow-covered tundra in a left bank of at least 26 degrees. Satellite imagery showed thick clouds along the flight path. The heading was toward the departure airport. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were discovered.

Accident Details

The airplane struck level terrain covered by smooth, wind-blown snow, in a left bank of 26 degrees or greater. The leading edge of the first impact crater was angled 15 degrees below the horizon. At the time of impact, the airplane's heading was directed toward the departure airport. The GPS receiver was providing navigation information to the original destination.

Environmental Conditions

The area surrounding the wreckage for about one mile consisted of featureless, snow-covered tundra. Beyond one mile, rising hills with areas of exposed vegetation were present. Visible and infrared satellite images displayed a band of bright cloud tops and thick clouds that traversed the flight path of the accident airplane between the departure airport, located 27 miles to the east, and the accident site. Similar reflective cloud conditions existed over a weather reporting station that reported visibility of one mile in light snow and mist, with overcast ceilings of 1,100 feet.

Wreckage Information

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomaly with the airplane.

Flight Instruments

The airplane was equipped with basic flight instruments. The pilot was required by the company to demonstrate his ability to control the airplane by reference to those instruments.

2000-02-05: Cessna U206G (N756HG) — Iliamna, AK