Accident Details
The seaplane was returning to Juneau after a fish regulation conference in Sitka when the occupants decided to conduct a low pass over King Salmon Bay on the eastern part of Admiralty Island. The purpose was to perform a stream survey of the salmon run conditions.
While flying at an altitude of 100 feet and making a left turn, the aircraft struck the ground. The left wing and left engine were sheared off, and the seaplane crashed into King Salmon Bay. Debris scattered over an area extending more than 200 yards across the creek.
Occupants and Casualties
The aircraft was occupied by pilot Robert Meeks and five passengers: George B. Kelez, Richard Schuman, Larry Kelleon, Pattie David Bidwell, and Gomer Hilsinger. One passenger, who sustained serious injuries, managed to reach the shore. He was spotted by a bush pilot approximately 24 hours after the crash and was transported to a hospital in Juneau. The other five occupants were killed, and the airplane was totally destroyed.
Response
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) became aware of the mishap and deployed their vessel "Grizzly Bear" along with three aircraft. They reached the crash site on the morning of September 3.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause.