Accident Overview
On June 17, 2016, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 207 airplane, registration N91170, sustained substantial damage after impacting steep, rising terrain approximately 8 miles northwest of Goodnews Airport in Goodnews Bay, Alaska. The aircraft was registered to DIO Air, LLC and operated by Renfro's Alaskan Adventures, Inc., based in Bethel, Alaska. The flight was conducted as a visual flight rules (VFR) repositioning flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, suffered serious injuries.
Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the accident location, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed Quinhagak Airport (AQH) at about 1020, destined for Goodnews Airport (GNU).
Pilot Statement
During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on June 19 in Anchorage, Alaska, the pilot stated that after departing AQH, as the flight progressed into mountainous terrain, low clouds hindered his ability to distinguish the correct route through the mountains from the incorrect route. Upon realizing he had chosen the wrong route, he found himself in an area too narrow and steep to safely turn around. To reduce his turning radius and avoid the rising terrain ahead, the pilot initiated a steep climb while executing a 180-degree turn. During this steep climbing turn, the airplane entered IMC and subsequently impacted rock-covered rising terrain. The pilot estimated cloud ceilings at about 800 feet mean sea level (msl) and his cruise altitude at about 700 feet msl before initiating the climbing turn.
Weather Information
The closest weather reporting facility is Platinum Airport, located about 14 miles southwest of the accident site. At 1156, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) from Platinum Airport indicated wind from 210 degrees at 12 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, temperature 48°F, dewpoint 45°F, and altimeter 29.85 inHg.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.