Aircraft crash during supply mission to Beardmore Glacier

No fatalities • Beardmore Glacier, Antarctica • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed while attempting to land in whiteout conditions during a supply mission to Beardmore Glacier, resulting in the abandonment of the plane.

What happened

During a scheduled supply mission directed toward the Beardmore Glacier, the flight crew attempted to perform a landing despite the presence of severe whiteout conditions. During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with the icy surface, leading to a crash. Following the impact, the two pilots remained at the site and were successfully rescued five days after the accident occurred.

Findings

  • The crew chose to proceed with landing operations while visibility was obscured by whiteout conditions.
  • The aircraft was left at the crash site following the rescue of the occupants.

Probable cause

The decision to attempt a landing during whiteout conditions led to the aircraft striking the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-01-15 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Beardmore Glacier, Antarctica?

An aircraft crashed while attempting to land in whiteout conditions during a supply mission to Beardmore Glacier, resulting in the abandonment of the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-01-15 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-01-15 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration NZ6010, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Beardmore Glacier, Antarctica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The decision to attempt a landing during whiteout conditions led to the aircraft striking the ground.

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