What happened
On an operational mission for the 405th Squadron Greenwood, a crew was conducting a supply drop to support scientists stationed at Alert, Northwest Territories. During the low-altitude phase of the flight required for cargo deployment, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The plane impacted the ground approximately 500 meters south of the research complex, resulting in a massive explosion.
The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused the deaths of all nine occupants, including seven crew members and two passengers from the US Weather Bureau. There were no survivors from the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary cause was an equipment malfunction during the airdrop process. Specifically, a parachute used for the resupply cargo became caught on the aircraft's tail and elevators. This entanglement led to the loss of flight control, which ultimately caused the fatal descent.