Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane on a survey flight from Salmon to McCall struck trees and crashed in a dense wooded area while flying at low height. The pilot was killed in the accident, and the passenger sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation identified the probable cause as a collision with trees and subsequent crash after the pilot misjudged distance, speed, and altitude. Contributing factors reported include improper in-flight decisions, flying into a blind canyon, downdrafts and updrafts, high density altitude, high obstructions, and the pilot's lack of experience in fixed-wing mountain flying.
Investigation Findings
The accident occurred during a survey flight, and the aircraft was operating at low altitude over mountainous terrain. The investigation noted that the pilot's misjudgment of distance, speed, and altitude led to the aircraft entering an area with high obstructions. The combination of environmental factors such as downdrafts, updrafts, and high density altitude further complicated the flight conditions. The pilot's inexperience in fixed-wing mountain flying was also cited as a factor. The aircraft came to rest in a dense wooded area, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and serious injuries to the passenger.
Conclusion
The accident highlights the challenges of low-altitude flying in mountainous terrain, particularly for pilots without specific experience in such conditions. The investigative report emphasizes the importance of accurate judgment of distance, speed, and altitude, as well as the need for appropriate decision-making when encountering adverse environmental factors.