3 fatalities

VFR Flight Crashes into Shelly Mountain, Three Killed (N67941)

Kiana, United States of AmericaFlight

On November 8, 1992, a Cessna 402 (registration N67941) operated by Baker Aviation (Alaska) was involved in an aviation accident near Kiana, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot in command's attempt to fly VFR into IMC conditions. Factors were snow, whiteout conditions, and mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A VFR flight from Kotzebue crashed into Shelly Mountain while en route to Selawik. The pilot had a previous accident involving whiteout conditions. All three occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

The airplane was conducting a VFR flight from Kotzebue to Noorvik, Kiana, Selawik, and return to Kotzebue. The flight overflew Kiana due to unplowed runway conditions and was proceeding to Selawik when it crashed into Shelly mountain.

Conditions and Terrain

According to rescue personnel, the mountain tops in the area of the accident were obscured by snow, fog, and clouds. The terrain was covered with snow.

Pilot History

The pilot had a previous accident involving whiteout conditions where he flew into rising terrain.

Occupants

All three occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The pilot in command's attempt to fly VFR into IMC conditions. Factors were snow, whiteout conditions, and mountainous terrain.