What happened
During a survey operation traveling from Salmon to McCall, a twin engine airplane encountered trees while operating at a low altitude. The aircraft impacted the vegetation and crashed within a heavily wooded region. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The individual who perished was the pilot, while the passenger sustained significant injuries during the impact.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to the flight environment and operational decisions. The crew encountered difficult terrain, specifically flying into a blind canyon where visibility or spatial awareness was compromised. Atmospheric conditions, including both updrafts and downdrafts, played a role in the accident sequence.
Additional factors noted during the investigation include:
- High density altitude affecting performance
- Presence of high obstructions in the flight path
- Inappropriate decision-making during the flight
The primary cause was determined to be the collision with trees following a miscalculation of the aircraft's speed, altitude, and distance from obstacles. It was also noted that the pilot lacked specific experience regarding fixed-wing operations in mountainous terrain.