Air Taxi Collision with Terrain in Low-Visibility Conditions (N30004)

Flight Operations and Route Description A commercial certificated air taxi pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was scheduled to depart on a domestic passenger flight to an intermediate airport located 14 miles south of the departure airport. The pilot intended to pick up two passengers at the intermediate airport for a continuing flight to the planned destination. The route followed fjord-type terrain, characterized by steep mountain slopes above a long inlet of water. The flight to the intermediate airport typically took about 10 minutes. ## Departure and Loss of Communication The pilot delayed departure for approximately 10 minutes while waiting for weather conditions along the route to improve. After takeoff, the pilot reported via radio that he had reached a commonly used visual reporting point about four miles south of the departure airport. The aircraft did not arrive at the intermediate airport, and no further communication was received from the accident airplane. ## Wreckage Location and Damage An aerial search located the wreckage in an area of steep forested terrain, 300 feet above the inlet water. The airplane collided with several trees before descending to the ground. ## Weather Conditions Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the intermediate airport, but low cloud conditions were present along the route from the departure airport. At the time of the accident, an automated weather observation system (ASOS) located 5 miles southwest of the accident site reported visibility of four statute miles in light freezing rain and mist; clouds and sky condition, 800 feet overcast; temperature, 32 degrees F; and dew point, 31 degrees F. The terminal forecast for the departure airport and the area forecast contained low visibilities in light rain and mist. An AIRMET was issued for mountain obscuration in clouds and precipitation.