What happened
During a scenic air tour over a remote region of southeast Alaska, a formation of three float-equipped aircraft encountered deteriorating weather. The lead pilot in the formation reported encountering rain, fog, and low cloud cover, which necessitated a descent to 700 feet MSL to remain within visual flight rules. The aircraft involved in the accident was the second in the flight sequence. Approximately five minutes after the accident occurred, the pilot of the third aircraft reported encountering a "wall of weather" that prevented further progress, forcing a turnaround.
Fragmented wreckage of the aircraft type was later located in a heavily wooded, steep area at an elevation of roughly 2,500 feet MSL, near the location where the trailing aircraft had diverted. There were no survivors reported in the wreckage.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed no mechanical failures or technical malfunctions. However, an investigation into local meteorological conditions confirmed that the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions at the time of the impact. Evidence from a passenger's camera further documented the worsening weather during the flight.
Prior to the accident, a local boat captain had contacted the FAA to report seeing multiple tour planes operating in hazardous weather. Despite this report, the FAA investigation could not link the flight to a specific charter operator. The investigation also noted that the local Flight Standards District Office had experienced a reduction in personnel, resulting in a lack of active surveillance of tour operators' compliance with weather minimums. Specifically, the agency had not utilized ground-based observation or on-board passenger surveillance to monitor adherence to flight regulations for approximately a decade.