Accident Overview
On September 26, 1985, an aircraft collided with terrain in a mountain pass at an elevation of 3,600 feet mean sea level. The wreckage was located on September 29, 1985, and indicated that the aircraft contacted the terrain in a relatively level attitude with considerable airspeed. All three occupants were killed.
Weather Briefing and Communication
The pilot obtained a weather briefing at 1329 GMT on September 26, 1985, at which time Merrill Pass was forecast to be closed by 1100 Alaska Daylight Time due to deteriorating weather. The last radio communication with the aircraft was at 1803 GMT when contact was made with McGrath Flight Service Station. At that time, the pilot made a pilot report stating that the weather at Merrill Pass was marginal, with 2 miles visibility, snow, and occasional moderate turbulence.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage was located on September 29, 1985. The aircraft struck the terrain in a relatively level attitude with considerable airspeed. The accident site was in a mountainous/hilly area.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather during cruise phase. Findings: (1) In-flight planning/decision – improper – pilot in command. (2) Improper use of procedure – pilot in command. (3) Flight into known adverse weather – continued – pilot in command. (4) Weather condition – turbulence. (5) Weather condition – snow. (6) Weather condition – obscuration. Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering phase. Findings: (7) Terrain condition – mountainous/hilly. (8) Altitude – not maintained – pilot in command.