Anchorage

The crew of the missing airplane was conducting a local area familiarization flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. At the time of the flight, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, with occasional moderate turbulence forecast for the area. The airplane was routinely contracted for animal and bird counts, and the flight was to include low level flight simulating such a mission. The three occupants of the airplane were the pilot, company check pilot, and another company pilot riding along as a passenger. Both the pilot and the check pilot held airline transport certificates, and were experienced in the make and model of the accident airplane. The airplane was equipped with a satellite position reporting device that updated position, groundspeed, and altitude every 2 minutes. Radar and GPS track information indicated the accident airplane was flying low and slow along a peninsula coast over a saltwater inlet, and turned toward the center of the inlet. The track stopped about 3 miles offshore. The data indicated that while flying along the inlet, the airplane descended to 112 feet above ground level (water), and climbed as high as 495 feet, which was the airplane's altitude at the last data point. The airplane's groundspeed varied between 97 and 111 knots. The area of the presumed crash site experiences extreme tides and strong currents, with reduced visibility due to a high glacial silt content. An extensive search was conducted, but the airplane and its occupants have not been located. An examination of the airplane's maintenance logs did not disclose any unresolved maintenance issues.

The pilot of the twin-engine accident airplane was on an IFR flight plan in instrument meteorological conditions when the right side nose baggage door opened. The pilot expressed concerns to air traffic control about baggage exiting the compartment and striking the right propeller. He requested a diversion to the nearest airport with an instrument approach. The flight was diverted as requested, and was cleared for a non precision instrument approach to a coastal airport adjacent to mountainous terrain. The flight was authorized to a lower altitude when established on the approach. A review of the radar track information disclosed that the pilot did not fly the published approach, but abbreviated the approach and turned the wrong direction, toward higher terrain, north of the approach course. The airplane was discovered in mountainous terrain, about 1,100 msl, and 1.5 miles north of the approach course. The crash path was initially at a shallow angle in the treetops, until the airplane struck larger trees. Post accident inspection of the airplane disclosed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical problems, other than the baggage door, which was still attached to the airplane.

During arrival, the aircraft (Ryan flight 103) crashed short of runway 03. The fuselage stayed intact during impact, but the belly structure was compressed and vertical deceleration forces exceeded the design capability of the seats. Rescue personnel had difficulty shutting off the aircraft's electrical power which delayed removal of the 1st officer (f/o) from the aircraft. An investigation revealed the aircraft was loaded with approximately 600 lbs more cargo than the f/o had requested. The center-of-gravity (cg) was 8 to 11 inches behind the allowable aft limit and the flight crew did not comply with company and FAA procedures in computing the cg. During flight, up to 3/8 inches of ice accumulated on the aircraft's leading edges. There was evidence the crew lost control of the aircraft as the flaps were lowered. The right flap actuator was found in the 7 to 12° position and the stabilizer trim was found at the full nose down position. Flight tests showed there would be no significant difficulty in controlling the aircraft with up to 1.5 inch of ice on the leading edges and that static stability would deteriorate during flap extension with the aft cg configuration. Three passengers survived while 18 other occupants were killed.

The amphibious aircraft crashed as the pilot was landing on glassy water at the inlet of Nerka Lake. Subsequently, it sank and came to rest inverted in clear water on the bottom of wood river with the gear retracted and the flaps extended. Moderate rain was falling when the pilot was landing. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries.

At 0630 akdt the pilot obtained a weather briefing for the flight which forecast VFR with occasional marginal conditions along the route of flight. At 0704, the pilot obtained an updated briefing at which time the destination of Cantwell was reported IFR. At 0731 akdt, the aircraft departed Anchorage International on a company VFR flight. No further communication took place with the aircraft. The aircraft did not reach Cantwell. An extensive search revealed no trace of the aircraft or its occupants.

Shortly after takeoff from Tyonek Airstrip, while in initial climb in fog, the single engine airplane went out of control and crashed in the nearby inlet. All four occupants were killed.

On a flight from Galena to Anchorage, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. While flying in whiteout conditions with snow falls, the single engine airplane struck the ground and crashed, killing both occupants.

Upon landing at Dahl Creek, the right main gear collapsed. The airplane slid for few dozen yards before coming to rest. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

After takeoff from Healy, while climbing, the pilot lost control of the airplane that struck trees and crashed near the airport. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Prior to takeoff from from Pilot Point Airstrip, the left engine nearly quit twice. Following normal takeoff, while climbing, the left engine failed. The captain decided to return and initiated a left turn when, from a height of 300-400 feet, the left wing dropped. The airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. All three crew members were killed. They were completing a cargo flight to Anchorage, carrying a load of fish.