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Crash of a Boeing RC-135T near Valdez: 3 killed

Date & Time: Feb 25, 1985
Type of aircraft:
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Operator:
Registration:
55-3121
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Training
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Eielson - Valdez - Eielson
MSN:
17237
YOM:
1957
Flight number:
Mary 24
Location:
Valdez
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Aircraft flight hours:
15072
Circumstances:
The crew departed Eielson AFB southeast of Fairbanks on a training mission in the region of Valdez under callsign Mary 24. Following two successful approaches under MLS procedure, the crew started a third approach about four miles north of the prescribed MLS inbound course. While descending too low in poor visibility, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain and crashed. SAR operations were initiated but eventually abandoned few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the three occupants was found. The wreckage was recovered by walkers on August 2, 1985.
Probable cause:
It was reported that the crew had used an approach procedure certified for de Havilland Canada DHC-7, a STOL airplane. The glide slope and missed approach for this airplane are significantly steeper than those for an RC-135 jet.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Port Heiden: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 14, 1985 at 1900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
Registration:
N63719
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Becharof Lake - Cold Bay
MSN:
31-7712042
YOM:
1977
Location:
Port Heiden
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
4427
Captain / Total hours on type:
2250.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4284
Circumstances:
This flight originated near Becharof Lake and was destined for Cold Bay. Aircraft crashed into the side of a mountain at the 7,500 feet level, 23 miles left of course. Marginal weather conditions existed including a 35 knot right crosswind. Pilot had flown the same route about 1 hour prior to the accident. Company VFR flight plan was filed. Accident occurred at sunset. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: cruise
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - obscuration
2. (f) weather condition - unfavorable wind
3. (f) weather condition - snow
4. (c) flight into known adverse weather - intentional - pilot in command
5. (c) vfr flight into imc - continued - pilot in command
6. (c) compensation for wind conditions - inadequate - pilot in command
7. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
8. (f) light condition - dark night
9. (f) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft 65-A80 Queen Air in Soldotna: 9 killed

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1985 at 1951 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft 80 Queen Air
Operator:
Registration:
N50NP
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Anchorage - Soldotna
MSN:
LD-231
YOM:
1965
Flight number:
NPA1802
Location:
Soldotna
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Captain / Total flying hours:
7288
Captain / Total hours on type:
2985.00
Aircraft flight hours:
12106
Circumstances:
During arrival, the crew of NP flight 1802 contacted the company weather observer at Soldotna who advised the weather was: wind calm, ceiling 600 to 800 feet, visibility 8 to 10 miles, no precipitations. They made an NDB approach, but missed the approach and requested another approach. Approximately one minute later, the crew reported the aircraft had accumulated a heavy load of ice. They could have diverted nearby to Kenai for an ILS approach, but elected to make a VOR approach back to Soldotna. While being vectored, they made two more checks with the weather observer who advised the weather had deteriorated to below minimums and recommended diverting, but the crew did not acknowledge. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees on high terrain approximately 1.5 mile southeast of the airport. There was evidence the aircraft was circling when it crashed. Circling was not authorized south of runway 07/25. Investigations revealed recurring problems with the anti-ice system, its 'single' mode was inoperative, two de-ice boots were missing from prop blades. Weather station listed only one lighted marker (1/4 mile away) for visibility reference; minimum landing visibility was one mile; ceilometer was inoperative. No FAA inspection of weather station in 2 years. Icing forecasted. All nine occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: approach
Findings
1. (f) anti-ice/deice system - inadequate
2. (f) maintenance - inadequate - company maintenance personnel
3. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
4. (f) operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed - pilot in command
5. (f) other airport/runway maintenance - not maintained - company/operator management
6. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
7. (f) meteorological service - inadequate - company/operator management
8. (f) inadequate surveillance of operation - faa (organization)
9. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
10. (f) weather condition - fog
11. (f) weather condition - rain
12. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
13. (f) flight into known adverse weather - performed - pilot in command
14. (f) wing - ice
15. (f) weather condition - below approach/landing minimums
16. Missed approach - initiated - pilot in command
17. (f) not performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with object
Phase of operation: circling (ifr)
Findings
18. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
19. (c) missed approach - improper - pilot in command
20. (f) terrain condition - high terrain
21. (c) minimum descent altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
22. (f) object - tree(s)
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207 Skywagon near Port Alsworth: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 16, 1985
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Vanderpool Flying Service
Registration:
N1618U
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Lime Village – Nondalton
MSN:
207-0218
YOM:
1972
Location:
Port Alsworth
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
589
Aircraft flight hours:
2712
Circumstances:
The pilot continued the air taxi flight into adverse weather conditions and struck a mountain. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - clouds
2. (c) became lost/disoriented - inattentive - pilot in command
3. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - obscuration
5. (f) flight into known adverse weather - initiated - pilot in command
6. (f) improper training - pilot in command
7. (f) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
8. (f) lack of familiarity with geographic area - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Ketchikan: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 26, 1984 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Operator:
Registration:
N4787C
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Yes Bay - Ketchikan
MSN:
1330
YOM:
1959
Location:
Ketchikan
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
3586
Captain / Total hours on type:
1510.00
Circumstances:
The pilot flew into a canyon with a climb-out gradient in excess of the aircraft capability and collided with the upsloping terrain. The pilot said he had hit a downdraft and turned away from the rising terrain just as collision occurred. Surviving passengers do not recall any turbulence or sinking sensation before the crash. The pilot did not report any turbulence or downdrafts anywhere except at the accident site. Two passengers were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
3. (f) aircraft performance, climb capability - exceeded
4. (c) clearance - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) proper climb rate - not possible - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 401B near Anchorage: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jul 25, 1984
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 401
Operator:
Alaska Air Service
Registration:
N7984Q
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Anchorage - Cantwell
MSN:
401-0203
YOM:
1969
Location:
Anchorage
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
11092
Captain / Total hours on type:
310.00
Circumstances:
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.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: missing aircraft
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
1. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Ouzinkie: 4 killed

Date & Time: Jul 21, 1984 at 0920 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Harold W. Dierich
Registration:
N2021A
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Kodiak – Ouzinkie – Larsen Bay
MSN:
B114
YOM:
1945
Location:
Ouzinkie
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
5537
Captain / Total hours on type:
2520.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6129
Circumstances:
N2021A departed Kodiak, AK, at 0904 akdt under a special VFR clearance. Two other pilots stated N2021A was then circling over Monashka Bay while waiting for the weather over the Narrow Strait to clear. At 0920 akdt the pilot of N2021A stated to one of the other pilots that the weather appeared to be getting better and he was going to take a look. The aircraft collided with the waters of the Narrow Strait, northwest of Monashka Bay. Witnesses reported the weather was IFR in the area at the time. N2021A was not equipped for instrument flight nor was the pilot current with fars to conduct IFR operations. While circling over Monashka Bay the pilot of N2021A expressed concern to the other pilot about cargo of frozen meat thawing. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: cruise - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - fog
2. (f) weather condition - rain
3. (f) weather condition - obscuration
4. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) weather evaluation - poor - pilot in command
6. (c) vfr flight into imc - attempted - pilot in command
7. (f) self-induced pressure - pilot in command
8. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: unknown
Findings
9. Terrain condition - water, glassy
Final Report:

Crash of a Fairchild C-119G-FA Flying Boxcar in Venetie

Date & Time: Apr 21, 1984 at 1730 LT
Type of aircraft:
Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
Operator:
Registration:
N15509
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Venetie - Fairbanks
MSN:
10775
YOM:
1953
Location:
Venetie-Tobin Creek
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
15060
Captain / Total hours on type:
3503.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8643
Circumstances:
The pilot was attempting a takeoff on an airstrip where braking action was considered good during the normal summer season. It was about 3,000 feet in elevation and was snow covered most of the year, as on the day of the accident. The strip accommodated takeoffs to the south only due to grading and obstructions. Frequently, this meant a downwind takeoff. On the day of the accident, there was a 5 knots wind from the north with gusts to 10 knots. The pilot said that nose wheel steering was not effective due to the surface and the rudder was not responsive due to the tailwind. Most pilots used a 25° (right turn) dogleg of the runway at the north end to start their takeoff, especially when tailwinds were present. The accident aircraft went off the runway to the left and collided with a snowbank where it nosed over. All four occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - roll/run
Findings
1. (c) planning/decision - improper - pilot in command
2. (f) overconfidence in aircraft's ability - pilot in command
3. (f) self-induced pressure - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - high density altitude
5. (f) weather condition - tailwind
6. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - inadequate
7. (c) unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected - pilot in command
8. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - snow covered
9. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - icy
10. (f) airport facilities, runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven
11. (f) terrain condition - snowbank
12. Proper alignment - not possible
----------
Occurrence #2: nose over
Phase of operation: takeoff
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft D18S off Egegik

Date & Time: Apr 7, 1984 at 1800 LT
Type of aircraft:
Beechcraft D18
Operator:
King Flying Service
Registration:
N719MS
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Sand Point - King Salmon
MSN:
A-320
YOM:
1946
Location:
Egegik
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1439
Captain / Total hours on type:
158.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6660
Circumstances:
The pilot stated the engines lost power as a result of snow ingestion and carburetor icing upon entering clouds. According to the pilot, he entered the clouds at 9,000 feet msl and encountered heavy snow. He remained IMC until approximately 100-300 feet agl when he 'broke out' into VMC flight conditions. After ditching the aircraft, the pilot and passenger swam to shore. The aircraft washed out to sea and was not recovered.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
2. (c) flight into known adverse weather - continued - pilot in command
3. (c) lack of familiarity with aircraft - pilot in command
4. (f) weather condition - snow
5. (c) lack of total experience - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: descent - normal
Findings
6. (f) weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
7. (c) carburetor heat - improper use of - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: ditching
Phase of operation: landing - flare/touchdown
Findings
8. (f) terrain condition - water, glassy
Final Report:

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Anchorage

Date & Time: Dec 23, 1983 at 1406 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
Operator:
Registration:
N35206
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Anchorage - Kenai
MSN:
31-7952193
YOM:
1979
Flight number:
XE059
Location:
Anchorage-Ted Stevens Intl
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5115
Captain / Total hours on type:
3550.00
Circumstances:
A Piper PA-31, N35206, (South Central Air flight 59) was cleared to taxi to runway 06L. The weather at that time was foggy with about 1/8 mile visibility, but the RVR was improving and the airport was expected soon to be acceptable for takeoffs. The PA-31 crew taxied and waited in the holding area for the visibility to improve. A Douglas DC-10, HL7339, Korean Air Lines flight 084, was cleared to runway 32; however, while taxiing in the fog, the DC-10 crew inadvertently taxied to runway 06L/24R. Tower personnel were unable to see the aircraft in the fog and were unaware of the DC-10's position. The DC-10 was cleared to take-off on runway 32 and the PA-31 was cleared to hold on runway 06L. The DC-10 crew taxied on runway 24R and began taking off toward the PA-31 with 2,400 feet of runway remaining. Its estimated takeoff distance was 8,150 feet. Subsequently, the DC-10 collided with the PA-31, continued off the runway and hit stanchion lights, small trees and rough terrain. An investigation revealed the DC-10 pilot did not confirm his position by using his compass and that there was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot of Korean Air Lines Flight 084 to follow accepted procedures during taxi, which caused him to become disoriented while selecting the runway; the failure of the pilot to use the compass to confirm his position; and the decision of the pilot to take off when he was unsure that the aircraft was positioned on the correct runway. Contributing to the accident was the fog, which reduced visibility to a point that the pilot could not ascertain his position visually and the control tower personnel could not assist the pilot. Also contributing to the accident was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs at several intersections passed by Flight 084 while it was taxiing.
Final Report:
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