Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane operating on a flight from Kenai to Gulkana impacted a snow-covered mountain in the region of Valdez. The pilot failed to realize that his altitude was insufficient for the terrain, leading to the collision.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue operations were initiated but quickly suspended due to the risk of avalanches in the area. Several days later, authorities confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft did not survive the accident.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's misjudgment of altitude, which caused the aircraft to strike the ground. The following contributing factors were identified: improper in-flight decisions, high obstructions, and flight into rising terrain.