Flight History
The floatplane departed the Ketchikan seaplane base at 1236 with a special VFR clearance and reported clear of the control zone at 1240. The pilot's final transmission was made via FM radio at approximately 1340, reporting from the vicinity of Happy Harbor while passing over Kasaan Island—the approximate midpoint of the flight to Craig.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying southwest over Twelvemile Arm toward Hollis. Upon reaching the area, the flight would have been expected to turn west and cross inland over Prince of Wales Island to the west shoreline and then directly to Craig. However, a fog bank was noted about two miles before reaching Hollis in Twelvemile Arm. The aircraft was seen to reverse course as it approached the weather and proceed north. It was then lost from sight due to trees and rapidly upsloping terrain. An increase in engine sound was heard prior to the crash.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses described the clouds as essentially broken, with bases at about 1,000 feet over the water, obstructing the tops of some of the higher islands.
Findings
The official investigation determined the occurrence as an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the maneuvering phase of a turn to reverse direction. Findings included weather conditions of fog and clouds, mountainous and hilly terrain with rising terrain, and improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command. All eight occupants were killed.