Accident Details
On April 1, 2008, about 1540 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-32 airplane, registration N8327S, sustained substantial damage when it collided with snow-covered terrain while in cruise flight, approximately 10 miles south-southwest of Koliganek, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country air taxi flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, by Peninsula Airways Inc., based in Anchorage, Alaska, as Flight 245. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.
Weather and Flight Conditions
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area of the accident. Company flight following procedures were in effect. At 1540, a special observation at Koliganek reported: wind 130 degrees true at 15 knots; visibility 2 statute miles in mist; clouds broken at 400 feet and 1,300 feet, overcast at 8,500 feet; temperature 34°F; dew point 32°F; altimeter 29.67 inHg. Remarks noted ceiling variable from 200 to 900 feet.
Flight History
The flight originated at Dillingham Airport, Dillingham, Alaska, about 1510, en route to Koliganek carrying cargo and mail. According to the operator's director of operations, the pilot was on the first segment of a route from Dillingham to Koliganek, then to New Stuyahok, Alaska, and return to Dillingham. The pilot did not arrive at Koliganek, and an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received from the airplane. Search and rescue personnel located the pilot about 2040, and he was transported to Koliganek by snow machine.
Pilot Statement
In a written statement dated April 3, the pilot reported that he was in cruise flight about 700 feet above ground level, and visibility was good until about 20 miles from Koliganek. The weather began to deteriorate rapidly, and he decided to turn around. The airplane then collided with terrain.
Recovery Observations
Personnel from the operator who arrived at the accident scene to begin recovery operations reported that the airplane collided with nearly featureless snow-covered terrain on a northwest heading. They noted that the right main landing gear separated first, followed by the left main gear, and then an impact that separated the right wing.