Accident Overview
A certificated airline transport pilot was conducting an aerial caribou survey using radio-equipped tracking collars. During the flight, the pilot received a radio signal and initiated a descent over flat, featureless, snow-covered terrain. Visual contact with a caribou herd was established.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that as the aircraft passed over the top of the herd, a right turn was executed. After the wings rolled level, the aircraft came to a stop in the snow. The pilot stated that during the turn, visual contact with the snow-covered terrain was lost, and the aircraft collided with the ground at a shallow angle.
Contributing Conditions
Flat light conditions were reported by the pilot, making it very difficult to discern any topographical features in the surrounding area. The terrain was described as flat, featureless, and snow-covered, which likely contributed to the lack of visual reference.