What happened
A commercial air taxi flight departed from an Alaskan village with five passengers on board, intended to travel to another remote location across mountainous territory. After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, the operator initiated an overdue report. Following an extensive search operation, investigators located the wreckage in a heavily forested, steep area at an elevation of approximately 1,720 feet MSL, situated along the intended route.
During the flight, which was being conducted under visual flight rules, weather conditions deteriorated significantly. A passenger on board reported that approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered rain, fog, and low cloud ceilings. The passenger noted that the pilot expressed concern regarding the worsening conditions. In an attempt to navigate the terrain, the pilot performed a series of descents and climbs, flying the aircraft at a very low altitude. The passenger further described entering "whiteout conditions" before the mountainside suddenly became visible through the fog immediately prior to the impact.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. A subsequent analysis of the weather patterns confirmed that the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Based on the lack of mechanical issues and the eyewitness account, the investigation concluded that the pilot flew into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequently struck the mountainside. There was also no record indicating that the pilot had received a weather briefing prior to departure.