What happened
During the final approach phase into Juneau Airport, a four-engine aircraft descended below the required altitude and collided with an embankment. The force of the impact caused the landing gear to be sheared from the airframe. Following the collision, the plane performed a belly landing, sliding across the terrain for several yards before catching fire.
Despite the intensity of the post-impact flames, all ten occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained heavy damage and was declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the incident indicate that the primary factor was an approach that was flown too low. The specific reason why the pilot-in-command failed to maintain the necessary altitude during the final approach remains undetermined.