6 fatalities

Six Killed in Wrangell Aircraft Accident (C-GWUY)

Wrangell, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 11, 1977, a Beechcraft H18 (registration C-GWUY) operated by Galaxy Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Wrangell, United States of America in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: improper in-flight decisions, low ceiling, fog. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight from Ketchikan to Wrangell, a twin-engine airplane struck a mountain at 3,000 feet in poor weather. All six occupants died in the crash.

Accident Details

On a pleasure flight from Ketchikan to Wrangell, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. While flying at 3,000 feet, the twin-engine airplane collided with a mountain and was destroyed. The wreckage was discovered several hours after the accident.

Occupants

The aircraft carried six occupants. All six were killed in the crash.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.

Contributing Factors

Investigators identified the following contributing factors:

  • Improper in-flight decisions by the pilot
  • Low ceiling
  • Fog

The combination of these factors led to the aircraft's controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 1977 Beechcraft H18 accident near Wrangell, United States of America?

During a flight from Ketchikan to Wrangell, a twin-engine airplane struck a mountain at 3,000 feet in poor weather. All six occupants died in the crash.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 1977 Beechcraft H18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 1977 involved a Beechcraft H18, registration C-GWUY, operated by Galaxy Aviation, at Wrangell, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: improper in-flight decisions, low ceiling, fog.