Accident Summary
Shortly after departure from Palmer, the pilot of a single-engine airplane decided to increase altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a mountain ridge and crashed. One passenger was killed, and the other two occupants were injured. The airplane was destroyed in the incident.
Investigation
The official probable cause was determined to be controlled flight into terrain after the aircraft was unable to outclimb the mountain ridge. Contributing factors included the pilot exercising poor judgment, misjudging distance, speed, and altitude, misusing or failing to use flaps, and the presence of high obstructions.
Additional Details
The aircraft was a single-engine type. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff. The investigation report did not identify any additional causes.