Accident Details
A pilot, who had flown a company airplane to a remote airstrip and lodge for hunting, departed the lodge's airstrip at approximately 0608 with revenue cargo. The pilot was scheduled for a flight from his company's base of operations that morning. A hunting guide at the lodge heard the sound of an airplane and then a loud impact shortly after departure. Due to darkness, the guide could not see the wreckage. The guide attempted to depart in his own airplane but encountered clouds soon after takeoff and returned. The guide opined that the accident pilot might have been trying to return to the lodge airstrip due to poor weather and darkness.
Wreckage and Inspection
The wreckage was located on a nearby mountain after daylight, once cloud cover had dissipated. Post-accident inspection revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Environmental Conditions
Official sunrise was at 0813, and official civil twilight began at 0730. The accident occurred at approximately 0615, which was before both sunrise and civil twilight, meaning it was dark night. The guide's comments and the conditions indicate low cloud ceilings and darkness.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's decision to initiate visual flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident include a low ceiling, a dark night, the pilot's failure to follow regulatory procedures and directives, and his self-induced pressure to return to base to take another flight.