Accident
On February 5, 2013, at 1612 Alaska standard time, a Cessna 172N, registration N5290J, collided with a snow-covered frozen river shortly after departing from Kalskag Airport in Kalskag, Alaska. The airplane was substantially damaged, including the fuselage, empennage, and wings. Of the three people on board, the pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while the other passenger suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was owned by the Kuspuk School District of Aniak, Alaska, and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a visual flight rules cross-country flight. No flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time, destined for Aniak.
Investigation
During a telephone interview on February 7, the pilot stated that he had flown from Aniak to Kalskag to pick up two individuals and return. He reported visual flight rules conditions upon departure from Aniak, and the Automated Surface Observing System at Kalskag indicated 10 statute miles visibility at that time. However, as he approached Kalskag, his flight visibility decreased to about 2 miles. He did not recheck the ASOS before departure. After takeoff, he climbed to approximately 300 feet above ground level and could see trees on both sides of the river. He recalled nothing further until the airplane was on the ground and inverted.
The rear-seat passenger recounted that after unloading, he and the front-seat passenger boarded. He fastened his seatbelt, and the pilot asked if they were ready, but did not discuss the weather. The passenger noted deteriorating weather but assumed conditions would clear after takeoff. During the climb, everything seemed normal, and he estimated the airplane reached 200 to 300 feet, but he remembered no more.
A witness observing the takeoff described rapidly deteriorating weather. He saw the airplane depart and climb to about tree level. Shortly after, he heard a strange sound, and the engine stopped producing noise. He traveled by snow machine down the river to search, finding the airplane on the frozen river. He helped transport the injured occupants to the village clinic.
A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right rear seatbelt floor attachment had separated from its track. Further inspection by FAA Anchorage Flight Standards District Office personnel determined that the rear seatbelts were not installed per the Supplemental Type Certificate and were missing a required fitting. Subsequently, a mandatory service bulletin was issued by the STC holder to inspect and correct improper installations.
Data from an onboard portable GPS showed the airplane departed the airport around 1611 and climbed to a maximum GPS altitude of 171 feet. Its groundspeed at impact was approximately 103 knots.
Weather Conditions
The nearest official reporting station, Kalskag Airport (PALG), reported at 1614, about two minutes after the accident: wind variable at 3 knots; visibility 0.25 statute miles in light snow and freezing fog; sky condition broken at 300 feet, broken at 1,300 feet, overcast at 2,700 feet; temperature 16°F; dew point 12°F; altimeter 29.55 inches of mercury.