What happened
During a flight traveling from Juneau toward Tenakee, a seaplane encountered severe meteorological conditions characterized by heavy snow and low cloud ceilings. While operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at a low altitude, the aircraft struck the water in a bay located near Hoonah. Following the impact, the vessel sank into the bay. There were four fatalities recorded among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary factor was the pilot's choice to maintain VFR flight parameters despite the deteriorating weather. The presence of heavy snowfall and a low cloud ceiling significantly reduced visibility, contributing to the loss of control during the cruise phase of the flight.