Accident Overview
A taxi flight from Togiak to Dillingham ended in tragedy when the aircraft struck a mountain slope shortly after departure. The pilot and one passenger were killed, and seven other occupants sustained injuries. The airplane was completely destroyed in the impact.
Sequence of Events
Minutes after takeoff from Togiak, the pilot entered a valley where foggy conditions prevailed. While attempting a climbing turn, the airplane collided with the terrain. The accident occurred in adverse weather conditions that included low ceiling and fog.
Injuries and Damage
According to the official report, the pilot and a passenger were killed in the crash. Seven other occupants on board were injured. The aircraft sustained total destruction.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a controlled collision with ground in normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors reported were low ceiling and fog.