What happened
During a flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR), an aircraft entered a restricted, narrow canyon at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The flight was being operated in challenging meteorological conditions characterized by fog and low ceilings. While navigating this terrain, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently entered a spiral descent and struck the ground. The wreckage was located within the Pelican area. The accident resulted in three injuries among the occupants, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to the flight's execution. The primary factor was a stall occurring during cruise flight due to poor decision-making while in flight. Specific environmental and operational factors included:
- Operating under VFR despite the presence of adverse weather, including fog and low cloud ceilings.
- Failure to maintain the necessary airspeed for safe flight.
- Navigating through a narrow channel with high obstructions present.
- The use of a float-equipped aircraft in terrain that led into a blind canyon.
- Maintaining an extremely low altitude of 100 feet AGL while maneuvering through difficult terrain.