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5 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Mountain on Night Flight from Nome to Koyuk (N1238K)

Koyuk, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 10, 1994, a Cessna 402 (registration N1238K) operated by Ryan Air was involved in an aviation accident near Koyuk, United States of America during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An aircraft flying at night from Nome to Koyuk, Alaska, crashed into a mountain at 2,725 feet. The pilot did not file a flight plan and weather at the accident area included heavy snow and poor visibility.

Accident Details

The aircraft was on a flight at night from Nome to Koyuk, Alaska, when it crashed into a mountain at the 2,725-foot level. The accident site was directly on a course line between the Nome and Koyuk Airports. The pilot did not file a VFR or an IFR flight plan with the FAA.

Flight Planning and Weather

At the time of departure from Nome, the ceiling was 3,500 feet overcast. According to rescue personnel, weather at the accident area was described as having an indefinable ceiling and poor visibility with heavy snow and blowing snow.

Equipment and Investigation

The pilot had a handheld GPS on board that he had borrowed from another pilot. However, the database could not be retrieved from the GPS. According to the owner of the GPS, he and the accident pilot programmed different waypoints.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were darkness and the adverse weather conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Dec 1994 Cessna 402 accident near Koyuk, United States of America?

An aircraft flying at night from Nome to Koyuk, Alaska, crashed into a mountain at 2,725 feet. The pilot did not file a flight plan and weather at the accident area included heavy snow and poor visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Dec 1994 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Dec 1994 involved a Cessna 402, registration N1238K, operated by Ryan Air, at Koyuk, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions.

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