Mt McKinley | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The pilot departed Anchorage on a survey flight to Kantishna, taking part to a SAR mission after a helicopter was missing. On approach to Mt McKinley, the airplane went out of control and crashed onto a slope of the the mountain. The wreckage was found a day later and the pilot was killed.

Probable cause:

The aircraft stalled in flight because de pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following findings were reported:
- Downdrafts,
- Flaps found extended to 30°,
- Wind gusting up to 20 knots.

Final Report:

Crash of a Fairchild C-119C-22-FA Flying Boxcar on Mt McKinley: 19 killed

Date & Time: Nov 7, 1952 at 0300 LT

Type of aircraft:

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

Operator:

Registration:

51-2560

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Elmendorf – Big Delta

MSN:

10518

YOM:

1950

Location:

Mt McKinley

Alaska

Country:

United States of America

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

While flying by night at an altitude of 11,000 feet, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of Mt McKinley located in the Denali State Park. First rescuers arrived on the scene few hours later and all 19 occupants have been killed.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the aircraft was not following the assigned route at the time of the accident, probably due to a navigational error on part of the flying crew caused by a faulty interpretation of two different radio stations. It is also reported that the aircraft was not equipped with an ADF system nor a high frequency receiver, which was considered as a contributory factor. Also, ground navigation aids were considered as poor.