Accident Details
The pilot flew a route along power lines between Kenai and Homer on a dark moonless night over rising terrain. The accident site was located 200 yards east of the power lines. Radar data shows the airplane was in the area of the crash site at a steady state heading, airspeed, and level altitude. This flight marked the first time the pilot did not complete a company flight plan.
Pilot Background
On his off days, the pilot received 9 to 11 hours of sleep. His wife stated he was not a morning person. The pilot had commented to her that while away from home, his sleep quality was poor. On the day of the accident, the pilot awoke at 0340 for a 0500 departure, having had about 6 hours of sleep.
Investigation Findings
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude for terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of usual sleep, the night light condition, and hilly terrain.