What happened
Shortly after departing from Palmer, the pilot of a single-engine airplane attempted to increase altitude. During this climb, the aircraft collided with a mountain ridge. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Of the three people on board, there was one fatality and two injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the crash was a result of controlled flight into terrain, as the aircraft could not clear the ridge during its ascent. Several contributing elements were identified in the official report:
- The pilot demonstrated poor judgment during the maneuver
- There was an incorrect assessment of altitude, speed, and distance from obstacles
- Flaps were either improperly used or not utilized at all
- Significant terrain obstructions were present in the flight path