What happened
During a scheduled flight traveling from Galena toward Anchorage, a single-engine aircraft encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions. While navigating through heavy snowfall and whiteout visibility, the plane impacted the terrain. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both individuals on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to the flight's execution and environmental factors. The aircraft was operating in weather conditions that were more severe than what had been previously forecasted, specifically characterized by snow and a lack of visibility due to whiteout effects.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- The pilot maintained visual flight rules (VFR) despite the presence of adverse weather.
- There was a failure to adhere to established operational procedures.
- The operator had previously advised the pilot against traversing Mystic Pass.
- Post-accident testing of the pilot revealed the presence of cannabinoids and acetaminophen.