What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation traveling from Jamestown to Bismarck, a twin engine airplane struck a mountain in the vicinity of the destination. The flight was being conducted under autopilot control at the time of the impact. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and left the pilot with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the pilot experienced physical impairment due to fatigue, which led to him falling asleep while operating the aircraft. While the autopilot system was engaged during the flight, it was noted that the altitude hold function was not active, contributing to the descent into terrain.