What happened
The flight departed the Ketchikan seaplane base at 12:36 under special VFR conditions, successfully exiting the control zone by 12:40. During the journey toward Craig, the pilot provided a radio update to the company via FM radio at approximately 13:40 while positioned near Kasaan Island, marking the halfway point of the trip.
Observers noted the aircraft traveling southwest across Twelvemile Arm toward Hollis. As the flight approached Hollis, the intended route involved a westward turn over Prince of Wales Island to reach the western coastline before proceeding to Craig. However, as the aircraft neared a bank of fog located roughly two miles from Hollis in Twelvemile Arm, it was seen turning back toward the north. The aircraft subsequently disappeared from view behind rising terrain and dense trees. Witnesses reported hearing an increase in engine noise immediately preceding the impact.
At the time of the incident, cloud cover was described as broken, with bases situated at roughly 1,000 feet above the water, partially obscuring the summits of several islands. The accident resulted in eight fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing environmental and operational factors:
- Presence of fog and broken cloud layers
- Encounter with rising, mountainous terrain
- Improper flight planning and decision-making by the pilot in command during a maneuver to reverse course