First Landing Attempt
The pilot attempted to land at a remote airstrip located at an oil production camp near the Arctic Circle. Unable to locate the runway, the pilot radioed the camp that the weather was poor. A passenger observed that the pilot entered clouds while circling in the vicinity of the camp.
Diversion to Alternate Airport
The pilot flew to an airport about 50 miles away and completed an instrument approach due to less than VFR weather conditions. After refueling, the pilot made another attempt to locate and land at the remote site.
Second Attempt and Final Approach
The pilot told the passengers that he would make one more attempt at landing, but if unsuccessful, they would have to leave because it would soon be dark. Prior to the second landing attempt, the pilot radioed camp personnel that the weather was still poor but he would make another try.
During the approach to landing, the pilot stated he inadvertently entered clouds or fog and collided with a snow-covered hill. A passenger in the right-front seat indicated that the pilot started a descent about five miles from the airstrip and that he could not see the ground until just before impact.
Accident Location
The airplane crashed on snow-covered terrain about five miles from the airstrip.