What happened
While operating under low cloud cover approximately 500 feet above the Yukon River, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a reduction in power from the number two engine. This loss of power caused the plane to descend, resulting in the fuselage and the left propeller making contact with the surface of the water.
In response to the mechanical issues and deteriorating visibility, the pilot attempted to perform a 180-degree turn. During the middle of this maneuver, the number two engine suffered a complete loss of power. The aircraft subsequently struck trees, and the impact was followed by a fire that destroyed the plane. There were no fatalities reported in the incident.
Findings
Investigations into the incident were unable to determine the specific reason why the number two engine lost power prior to the aircraft making contact with the water or the trees.