What happened
While approaching the Nome area, a Cessna 402, registration N12333, operated by Ryan Air, communicated with Nome Flight Service Station (FSS) reporting its position approximately 15 miles west of the airport. At that time, the pilot was informed that weather conditions at the destination had fallen below basic visual flight rules (VFR) minimums. In response, the pilot requested a special VFR clearance.
FSS controllers instructed the aircraft to stay within VFR conditions outside the control zone and to wait for further instructions. However, when personnel attempted to contact the aircraft later to provide the requested clearance, the pilot did not respond. This lack of communication prompted an immediate search operation.
Four days after the initial loss of contact, the wreckage was located on the eastern edge of Sledge Island, roughly 18 miles west of Nome. The aircraft had come to rest at an elevation of approximately 450 feet mean sea level. An investigation of the site determined that the aircraft struck rising terrain while maintaining a level flight path on a heading of approximately 250 degrees. At the time of the accident, weather in Nome included visibility of 2 miles with rain and fog, an overcast ceiling of 400 feet, and winds from 120 degrees at 12 knots.
Findings
An examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the impact. The investigation concluded that the pilot continued flying under VFR into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Poor in-flight planning and decision-making were also identified as primary factors, with the challenging terrain and weather conditions serving as contributing elements to the accident. There were 0 fatalities reported in this occurrence.