Accident
On a training mission in the Valdez region of Alaska, a crew under callsign Mary 24 departed Eielson AFB, southeast of Fairbanks. The crew completed two successful approaches using Microwave Landing System (MLS) procedures. They then initiated a third approach approximately four miles north of the prescribed MLS inbound course. While descending in poor visibility, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain and crashed. The aircraft carried three occupants.
Search and Recovery
Search and rescue operations were initiated but eventually abandoned several days later after no trace of the aircraft or the three occupants was found. On August 2, 1985, the wreckage was located and recovered by walkers.
Probable Cause
The official investigation reported that the crew had used an approach procedure certified for a de Havilland Canada DHC-7, a STOL airplane. The glide slope and missed approach for this airplane are significantly steeper than those for an RC-135 jet.