Airplane Damaged After Downdraft During Supply Drop to Snowmobilers

Accident Details

A pilot reported observing injured snowmobilers waving for help while flying. After radioing for assistance, he gathered emergency supplies from within the airplane and prepared to air drop them. He configured the airplane for a slow approach over the snowmobilers' location. Following a successful drop, the pilot applied full power and banked left to avoid terrain. During this maneuver, the airplane encountered a downdraft and began to descend with the left wing low. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, the airplane continued losing altitude until it impacted the glacier below. The airplane’s firewall and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight.