What happened
On June 2, 1990, at approximately 09:37 AKDT, Markair, Inc. flight 3087 was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) approach into Unalakleet, Alaska. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-2X6C with registration N670MA, had departed from Anchorage International Airport earlier that morning at 08:28.
While attempting to execute a localizer approach to runway 14, the aircraft impacted the ground roughly 7.5 miles before reaching the runway threshold. At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no passengers on the flight; however, the crew members sustained various injuries. One flight attendant suffered serious injuries, while the pilot, the first officer, and another flight attendant received minor injuries.
Findings
Official investigations into the accident identified that the crash was driven by deficiencies in flightcrew coordination. The investigation concluded that the crew failed to sufficiently prepare for the non-precision approach to runway 14 and performed a premature descent during the approach phase.