Accident
On the morning of the accident, at approximately 1055 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (serial number 31-7752151) collided with the ice on the Peace Reach Arm of Williston Lake, British Columbia. The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from a logging camp at Bear Valley, British Columbia, to Tsay Keh. During the flight, the pilot encountered an area of heavy snow and reduced visibility. Unable to maintain visual references, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn in an attempt to regain visual flight conditions. Shortly after completing the turn, the aircraft struck the ice surface. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. There was no fire. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident aircraft was a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, bearing serial number 31-7752151. No information regarding the aircraft's registration, maintenance history, or pilot qualifications was provided in the source. The pilot was the only person on board.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that weather conditions at the time and location were not suitable for visual flight. While the pilot was attempting to regain visual flight, he allowed the aircraft to descend, and it struck the ice surface. The weather and surface conditions made it virtually impossible to visually detect the ice surface. A further finding noted that, in the absence of en route weather reporting facilities, the pilot could only estimate weather conditions based on the area forecast and informal reports from lay personnel.