Accident Summary
On the day of the accident, the airplane departed Nome, Alaska, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Shishmaref, approximately 122 miles to the north. Shortly after takeoff, the crew encountered poor weather conditions, including snowfall, limited visibility due to night conditions, and icing. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of a mountain located north of Nome.
Search and Recovery
When the airplane failed to arrive at its destination, search and rescue (SAR) operations were initiated. These efforts were eventually suspended several days later after no trace of the aircraft or its four occupants was found. The wreckage was later located on February 10, 1980. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all four occupants were found dead.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain during normal cruise after the crew continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors reported include snow-covered terrain, high obstructions, low ceiling, snow, visibility half a mile or less, fog, and the flight being conducted under special VFR.