Accident Overview
On a scheduled flight transporting passengers and cargo from Prince George to Dease Lake via intermediate points, the aircraft operated under visual flight rules (VFR). Shortly after takeoff from Kluatantan airstrip, the flight encountered poor weather. Approximately 23 miles north of the takeoff point, the aircraft crashed against the side of a ridge at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The impact forces and a post-crash fire destroyed the airplane. All seven occupants were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident resulted from multiple factors. The pilot continued the flight along a narrow valley into deteriorating weather conditions below the altitude required for safe terrain clearance. Forward visibility was hampered by an ineffective windshield wiper system. After losing visual references, the pilot attempted to obtain safe terrain clearance by climbing into the cloud layer. For undetermined reasons, the pilot did not initiate or maintain a maximum rate of climb to clear enroute terrain. Additionally, accurate and updated presentations of forecast or actual weather conditions in the accident area were not available to the pilot prior to departure from Prince George, due in part to the lack of reporting points.