Incident Overview
A pilot flying through a mountain pass near Old Harbor lost visual reference in whiteout conditions and struck the terrain with the left wing, according to an official investigation. The pilot had been informed by another company pilot that the higher passes were closed, yet he chose to fly through 'high pass.'
Weather and Conditions
Weather at the time was described by the pilot as overcast with ceilings obscured, and flight visibility was limited to 2 to 3 miles. The pass was snow-covered, contributing to the whiteout environment that caused the pilot to lose visual reference upon entering.
Sequence of Events
After entering the pass, the pilot encountered whiteout conditions and immediately initiated a left turn to exit. Approximately halfway through the turn, the left wing of the aircraft struck the mountain. No further details on the extent of damage or occupants were provided in the source.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the incident was determined to be the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather. The whiteout condition was cited as a contributing factor.