What happened
Following an overnight period spent outdoors, a ski-equipped aircraft departed from Shaft Lake carrying the pilot and one passenger. During the initial climb, the flight encountered significant challenges while attempting to clear nearby mountain peaks. In an effort to navigate the terrain, the pilot initiated a turn; however, the aircraft subsequently lost controllability. The plane entered a stall before impacting a snow-covered mountain slope.
The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The pilot died in the crash, while the passenger survived with significant injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was contaminated wings containing ice and frost at the time of departure. This condition was a result of inadequate flight preparation, as the pilot failed to clear the aircraft surfaces of accumulated frozen precipitation before takeoff.