What happened
During an active mission to locate a different missing aircraft within a mountainous region, the pilot of a De Haviliand Canada DHC-2 navigated into a constricted valley at a low altitude. As the crew attempted to execute a turn to exit the narrow passage, the aircraft entered a left bank of 60 degrees. During this maneuver, the plane collided with a tall tree, resulting in a crash that ignited a fire.
Findings
- The accident occurred while the aircraft was operating at low altitude within a narrow mountain valley.
- The impact with vegetation occurred during a steep turn.
- There were four fatalities resulting from the impact and subsequent fire.