What happened
A certificated airline transport pilot was performing an aerial caribou survey using radio-equipped tracking collars to locate wildlife. While flying over flat, featureless, and snow-covered terrain, the pilot detected a radio signal and began a descent. This maneuver allowed the pilot to establish visual contact with a herd of caribou.
As the aircraft passed directly over the herd, the pilot initiated a right turn. During this maneuver, the pilot lost visual contact with the terrain. As the wings reached a level position, the aircraft collided with the ground at a shallow angle and came to a stop in the snow. The pilot reported that flat light conditions made it extremely difficult to identify any topographical features in the area during the flight.