ANC96LA006

The certificated commercial pilot was in cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). Due to high wind conditions, he descended to 3,000 feet msl. The terrain began rising, and the pilot began a climb to maintain an altitude of about 1,300 feet above the ground. He then encountered severe turbulence and downdrafts. He attempted to maintain control of the airplane and applied full power to establish a climb attitude at an indicated airspeed of about 80 MPH. However, the airplane continued to descend into upsloping, rock and snow covered terrain. The airplane contacted the ground in a climb attitude and received damage to the wings, fuselage, and engine.

On October 19, 1995, about 0945 Alaska daylight time, a Beech B- 24R, N9329S, collided with terrain about 16 miles east of Ninilchik, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country positioning flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Great Northern Airlines Inc., sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Seldovia airport, Seldovia, Alaska, about 0920.

The pilot reported that he was returning to Anchorage on the return portion of a charter flight to Seldovia. During the initial flight to Seldovia earlier in the day, the pilot transited the area of the accident without incident but had experienced a strong tailwind in a southerly direction. After departure from Seldovia for the return flight, the pilot was in cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). Due to strong headwinds, he descended to 3,000 feet msl. The terrain began rising and the pilot began a climb to maintain an altitude of about 1,300 feet above the ground. The pilot then encountered severe turbulence and downdrafts. He attempted to maintain control of the airplane and applied full power to establish a climb attitude at an indicated airspeed of about 80 MPH. The airplane continued to descend into upsloping, rock and snow covered terrain. The airplane contacted the ground in a climb attitude and received damage to the wings, fuselage, and engine.