Circumstances of the Flight
The pilot, who held an expired student pilot certificate, departed a remote village with a load of whale meat. The intended route of flight was along the coast of the Bering Sea, over snow-covered terrain adjacent to snow-covered sea ice. Weather conditions along the route featured low ceilings with areas of fog and snow showers. The pilot did not file a flight plan, and no flight following or communication with air traffic control was reported.
Discovery of the Wreckage
The pilot was not reported overdue, and no emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received from the airplane. The wreckage was discovered by passing villagers approximately 3/4 mile inland from the coastline. The airplane had collided with terrain and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
Investigators found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction. According to relatives, the pilot, who was not an aviation mechanic, maintained the airplane himself. No maintenance records were located during the investigation.