4 fatalities

1974-08-13: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (N7620) — Merric Aviation — Anaktuvuk Pass, United States of America

Anaktuvuk Pass, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 13, 1974, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration N7620) operated by Merric Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Anaktuvuk Pass, United States of America in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain following improper in-flight decisions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781231241Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane crashed into a mountain while en route from Dietrich to Chandalar, killing all four occupants. The pilot encountered low clouds and fog and initiated a turn before striking terrain.

Overview

A single-engine airplane crashed into a mountain while en route from Dietrich to Chandalar, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants. The wreckage was located a few hours after the accident.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was flying over mountainous terrain when poor weather conditions with low clouds and fog were encountered. The pilot initiated a turn, and the airplane subsequently struck a mountain and crashed. The wreckage was found several hours later.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain following improper in-flight decisions. Contributing factors included continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, high obstructions, low ceiling and fog, company dispatch involvement, and an attempt to fly through an obscured mountain pass.