Accident Details
A flight originating near Becharof Lake, bound for Cold Bay, collided with terrain at the 7,500-foot level. The aircraft was 23 miles left of its intended course. At the time, marginal weather conditions prevailed, with a 35-knot right crosswind. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Flight History and Conditions
The pilot had flown the same route approximately one hour prior to the accident. A company VFR flight plan had been filed. The accident occurred at sunset.
Probable Cause Findings
According to the official investigation, the accident involved an in-flight collision with terrain during the cruise phase. Findings included: weather obscuration, unfavorable wind conditions, snow, intentional flight into known adverse weather by the pilot in command, continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, inadequate compensation for wind conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, dark night conditions, and poor in-flight planning/decision-making by the pilot.