Event Details
On August 10, 2018, at approximately 2043 Pacific daylight time, a De Havilland DHC-8-402 aircraft, registered as N449QX, crashed into trees on Ketron Island near Steilacoom, Washington. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The pilot, who was not certificated, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The airplane had departed from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around 1932.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was owned by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. and was operated by the noncertificated pilot during an unauthorized flight. According to Horizon Air personnel, the pilot was employed as a ground service agent and had access to aircraft on the ramp.
Investigation
The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided requested technical assistance to the FBI, and any material generated by the NTSB is under the control of the FBI. The NTSB does not plan to issue an investigative report or open a public docket. The probable cause of this event was not determined by the NTSB.