Accident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot departed on a cross-country personal flight in a float-equipped airplane with three passengers. The purpose of the flight was to show the passengers Alaskan scenery. The route included a stop at a remote lake that the pilot frequently visited. Approximately six hours after departure, an ELT signal was received, prompting an aerial search.
Wreckage Location
The wreckage was located in an area of mountainous terrain along the airplane's anticipated return flight path between the remote lake and its home base airport. A State of Alaska Fish and Wildlife Protection Officer involved in the search reported that after locating the wreckage, he landed his wheel-equipped airplane along a ridgeline about 1,000 feet above the wreckage site. During his approach for landing, he encountered winds out of the southeast estimated at 17 to 20 knots. He added that the accident airplane's wreckage was situated on the downwind side of the mountainous terrain.
Postaccident Investigation
Postaccident examination revealed that the nose of the airplane impacted the soft, tundra-covered terrain in a nearly vertical attitude. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine.