Accident Overview
A pilot departed Anchorage on a survey flight to Kantishna, participating in a search and rescue mission following a missing helicopter. While on approach to Mount McKinley, the airplane went out of control and crashed onto a slope of the mountain. The wreckage was located one day later.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the airplane stalled in flight. The flaps were found extended to 30 degrees at the time of the accident. Additionally, downdrafts and gusting winds up to 20 knots were present in the area.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft stalled in flight because the pilot failed to maintain flying speed.