Fatal mountain collision during flight from Nome to Unalakleet

8 fatalities • Golovin, United States of America • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside while operating under visual flight rules in poor weather conditions, resulting in eight fatalities.

What happened

While traveling from Nome toward Unalakleet, the pilot of a twin engine airplane encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions characterized by fog, rain, and a low cloud ceiling. Despite these visibility constraints, the decision was made to proceed with the flight under visual flight rules (VFR). During this phase of flight, the aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain.

The wreckage of the plane was located in a secluded area approximately one day after the accident occurred. The crash resulted in eight fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. The primary factor contributing to the crash was the pilot's choice to continue VFR operations despite encountering IFR weather conditions. Other environmental factors identified during the investigation included the presence of rain, fog, and low ceilings which significantly reduced visibility.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to maintain visual flight rules while flying through adverse weather conditions including fog and low ceilings, leading to a collision with terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-07-12 Cessna 402 accident near Golovin, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside while operating under visual flight rules in poor weather conditions, resulting in eight fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-07-12 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-07-12 involved a Cessna 402, registration N90238, operated by Ryan Air, at Golovin, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to maintain visual flight rules while flying through adverse weather conditions including fog and low ceilings, leading to a collision with terrain.

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