1954-04-16: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (59925) — United States Navy - USN — Grise Fiord, Canada

9 fatalitiesGrise Fiord, CanadaFlight

A survey flight operating in the Arctic region crashed into a mountainside, resulting in the loss of all nine people on board.

What happened

During an aerial survey mission over the icy terrain of the Arctic, the aircraft struck a mountain slope in the vicinity of Grise Fiord. At the time of the impact, the crew was navigating through whiteout conditions, which significantly limited visibility. The collision occurred during the flight phase while the crew was actively performing surveying operations across the continent.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in nine fatalities, with no survivors reported among the crew.
  • Whiteout conditions were present at the time of the crash, which obscured the surrounding landscape and contributed to the impact with the mountain slope.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope due to extremely limited visibility caused by whiteout conditions during a survey flight.