Accident Overview
An airline transport pilot departed on a CFR Part 135 scheduled passenger flight to a remote coastal village. When the flight did not return, an aerial search was initiated. The wreckage was located the following day along the pilot's intended route, about 49 miles from the departure airport. The airplane had collided with flat, featureless, snow-covered terrain.
Weather Observations
A pilot who departed about one minute after the accident airplane's departure and had a similar route of flight provided weather information. He characterized the conditions along the accident airplane's route as overcast, with ceilings ranging between 2,500 and 4,500 feet. As he approached the area of the accident, he encountered a 'wall of weather' starting from the ground, with tops at 1,500 feet. Visibility was low, with fog and varied layers of cloud cover. The pilot changed his route to avoid worsening weather conditions. He added that, with satisfactory weather, the standard route to the intended destination would pass directly over the accident site.
Aircraft Information
No preaccident anomalies were noted with the accident airplane.