Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane departed Juneau Airport on a taxi flight to Hoonah, carrying two passengers and one pilot. While climbing in poor weather conditions, the pilot suffered spatial disorientation and lost control of the airplane. The aircraft crashed in flames in an open field and was totally destroyed. All three occupants were killed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor with thunderstorm activity, low ceiling, rain, and turbulence. The official report noted low ceiling, rain, turbulence associated with thunderstorm activity, a squall line, and merging cloud layers as forecasted.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an uncontrolled descent and subsequent collision with ground after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors reported include spatial disorientation, inadequate preflight preparation, physical impairment, alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment, and the adverse weather conditions. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 1.08‰.