Pelican

During a flight from Juneau to Pelican, AK, the aircraft collided with terrain approximately 12 miles east of Pelican while crossing over Chichagof Island. Impact occurred on a vertical rock wall at an elevation of about 1,950 feet. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was evident. Another pilot, who had planned to fly the same route about 1 hr and 45 min earlier, decided to fly around the island due to low clouds, rain and fog in the area. He reported that he flew over icy straits rather than take a more direct route and that ceilings were about 2,000 feet broken with lower stratus in the valleys. A helicopter pilot said he was unable to work in mountain passes in the vicinity of the accident due to low clouds, rain and fog; he also said the passes were 'socked in.' Both occupants were killed.

While cruising under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions, the pilot entered a narrow channel at an altitude of 100 feet when he lost control of the aircraft that spiraled to the ground. The wreckage was found in the region of Pelican. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Flight 60 originated at Sitka, Alaska, with stops scheduled at Pelican City, Hoonah, and Juneau, the destination. Before departure from Sitka, the dispatcher in Juneau issued clearance for the flight to proceed DVFR (Defense Visual Flight Rules) to Hoonah and wait, if necessary, at that station for weather to improve in the Juneau area. The flight plan indicated estimated time from Sitka to Juneau, including stops, would be two hours and fifty minutes. Fuel consumption was estimated at 60 gallons, with 20 gallons re-serve upon arrival at Juneau. Gross weight of all disposable load at takeoff was 1,401 pounds, 30 less than the maximum allowable. The flight departed Sitka at 1153 with Captain James C. Rinehart (pilot), four passengers, cargo, mail, and baggage. The route between Sitka and Pelican City follows the North Pacific shore. The flight landed at Pelican City at 1235. Two passengers deplaned and 88 pounds of baggage, mail, and cargo were taken off; 159 pounds of cargo were added. The aircraft was not refueled. The pilot reported by radio that the flight departed Pelican City at 1305 en route to Hoonah. This was the last radio contact. When the flight became overdue at Hoonah, search operations were instituted. The Coast Guard was notified at 1655 and began search. At approximately 0800 the following morning, the pilot of a private aircraft located the wreckage in a mountain pass several miles southeast of Pelican City. A Coast Guard and civilian ground rescue party arrived the afternoon of November 5, rendered first aid to the two passengers, and stayed until the survivors and the body of the pilot were evacuated by helicopter on November 6.