On November 30, 1996, a Cessna 185 (registration N93829) operated by Hageland Aviation Services In. was involved in an aviation accident near Marshall, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A chartered air taxi conducting a moose count survey in Alaska crashed near the Yukon River after departing Bethel. The aircraft was found in a steep, nose-down attitude with no preimpact mechanical issues. The tachometer showed 1.6 hours of operation since departure.
Accident Details
A chartered air taxi flight departed Bethel, Alaska, to conduct a moose count survey between Russian Mission and Marshall. The sole passenger was a wildlife biologist employed by the State of Alaska. The aircraft was scheduled to stop at Emmonak for refueling but never arrived. It was later located crashed near the Yukon River. The impact site showed the airplane in a steep, nose-down attitude, with the nose buried in the ground. Only trees immediately adjacent to the aircraft were damaged, indicating a near-vertical crash profile. The surrounding terrain was flat and covered with trees, and numerous areas on the ground suggested moose had bedded down there.
Investigation
Examination of the airplane revealed that the tachometer had recorded 1.6 hours of operation since departure from Bethel. Investigators found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the engine, airframe, or flight controls.