Accident Overview
On 09 May 1996, a DHC-3 Otter operated by Buffalo Narrows Airways departed Ketchikan, Alaska, at 0905 Pacific daylight time on a visual flight rules (VFR) ferry flight to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, with an intermediate stop at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The aircraft was piloted by the owner of Buffalo Narrows Airways, who held about 10,000 total flight hours, and a co-pilot with about 5,000 hours. Both pilots were experienced on the Otter and held valid licences, though neither had significant mountain flying experience. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with terrain in the Telkwa Pass area, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Flight and Pilots
The aircraft, a single-engine float-equipped DHC-3 Otter, had just been rebuilt by Taquan Air and completed a one-hour test flight prior to departure. The pilot-in-command was in the left seat and the co-pilot in the right during takeoff from Ketchikan. The aircraft lacked rudder pedals on the right side, which was not required. After a refuelling stop and weather briefing at Prince Rupert, the pilot elected to follow the published Telkwa Pass VFR route, which was shorter than the alternative Skeena River route. The flight departed Seal Cove at 1307 PDT.
Weather and Route
The pilot received a comprehensive weather briefing from the Prince Rupert flight service station (FSS). Forecasts indicated visual meteorological conditions along both routes but with reduced visibility in snow showers due to convection. A pilot report (PIREP) from two and a half hours earlier indicated the pass was open with a ceiling of 6,500 feet asl and visibility occasionally reduced to 10 miles in light snow showers. At 1416 PDT, the pilot reported being 10 miles south of Terrace at 4,500 feet asl. At 1429 PDT, he reported 15 miles east of Terrace and encountering light snow showers, requesting current PIREPs; none were available. No further communications were received.
Wreckage and Investigation
When the aircraft did not arrive at Dawson Creek, a search was initiated. Wreckage was located at 1930 PDT the following day, 30 miles east of Terrace. The engine was found at 7,000 feet asl on a 60-degree slope, having fallen from higher ground. Other wreckage, including floats, wing parts, and plastic fuel containers, was found lower in an avalanche slide area. The bodies of the pilots were discovered at about 4,000 feet asl. The accident site was hazardous due to avalanche risk, preventing a ground examination. The aircraft's technical records were lost in the accident.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The Transportation Safety Board concluded that it was not determined why the aircraft struck terrain; however, it is likely that the contact occurred during conditions of reduced visibility.