Incident Overview
An aircraft overflew its intended destination after encountering fog. The station manager reported that after transmitting to the pilot that the weather was 'zero zero', the pilot stated he would continue on to Red Devil, and she heard the aircraft fly overhead. The first pieces of aircraft debris were found 9 miles south of Crooked Creek along the western shore of the Kuskokwin River at a point where the river widened and the surface of the water smoothed out. No impact marks were found along either shore of the river.
Weather Conditions
Other pilots in the area stated that the fog was down to the ground and extended approximately 12 miles south of Crooked Creek.
Recovery
The engine, pilot's seat, and the aircraft were not recovered.
Official Findings
The official probable cause was determined to be a loss of control in flight during maneuvering due to fog, failure to maintain altitude, inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, and poor judgment by the pilot, resulting in an in-flight collision with water.