Submitted by SteveElls on August 19, 2010.
If indeed this is a CFIT accident and the very general terrain map and impact point diagram I saw suggests this, I wonder why this airplane wasn't equipped with some kind of virtual terrain mapping. Just seems like a no brainer in that part of the world when bad weather and low ceilings can happen any time. A very expensive airplane going to a very exclusive private lodge--it's not that expensive to put in a terrain mapping system.
I once led an A-10 4 Ship Down a valley and found out the end was blocked by low clouds. We joined up and Squacking 7700 did a Route Abort up into the clear. This was not scud running but does make you think. It is better to climb than hit the Iron cloud. I think the Otter did not have enough energy to zoom and was trying top pick thru the overcast. It is also sad that the Pilot's son in law was a victim in the C-17 Crash at Elmendorf.