Accident Overview
An air taxi pilot was flying four passengers and cargo to a remote camp and airstrip in a region of flat, snow-covered tundra. The pilot experienced difficulty locating the airstrip due to ice fog and reduced visibility, initially overflying the runway. A passenger spotted the airstrip, and around the same time, the camp operator radioed that the airplane had just passed the camp. The pilot then initiated a descent and approach. The airplane stalled and collided with terrain approximately one-quarter mile short of the runway.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, ice fog was present in the area. A portion of the runway was not visible due to the fog. The camp operator estimated horizontal visibility to be about three-quarters of a mile.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed approximately half an inch of ice on the left lift strut and main landing gear leg. The pilot reported after the accident that either a cabin door or cargo pod door may have opened during the approach. However, postaccident inspection and interviews with passengers disclosed no evidence of an in-flight cargo or cabin door opening. Crush lines on the cargo pod door were consistent with the door being closed at impact.