What happened
During the flight, the pilot encountered challenging meteorological conditions, including fog, rain, and low cloud ceilings, while attempting to navigate through a restricted mountain pass. Although the pilot was initially able to turn back from the main pass, the aircraft subsequently entered a small canyon located away from the primary route. This canyon led into a bowl covered by a glacier and enclosed by vertical rock faces.
While attempting to execute a turn to reverse direction within this confined space, the pilot realized there was inadequate room to complete the maneuver without striking the surrounding terrain. In an effort to avoid a high-impact collision with the rock walls, the pilot reduced engine power, resulting in a crash landing on the glacier. The accident resulted in one fatality among the passengers.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to both environmental conditions and operational decisions. The aircraft was operating in a blind box canyon during periods of low visibility caused by rain and fog. Additionally, investigators noted that the pilot's flight planning and decision-making were improper for the circumstances. Further findings indicated that the aircraft's weight and balance exceeded established limits during the flight.