Incident Overview
An aircraft en route from Phoenix, Arizona, to Gustavus, Alaska, for delivery to new operator Glacier Bay Airways experienced a critical engine failure. While cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet on the leg from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, the engine exploded. Oil from the engine spread across the windscreen, impairing visibility and forcing the crew to take immediate action. The crew executed a ditching maneuver in the Grenville Channel, a narrow waterway along the coast of British Columbia, Canada. They were quickly rescued following the emergency landing on water. The aircraft subsequently sank and was not recovered.
Sequence of Events
The flight was part of a delivery process, with the aircraft being transferred from its origin in Phoenix to its new operator in Gustavus. The leg between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert was proceeding normally at a cruising altitude of 4,000 feet when the engine suddenly exploded. The force of the explosion caused oil to spray across the windscreen, severely reducing forward visibility. With limited options and the aircraft becoming increasingly difficult to control, the crew opted to ditch in the nearby Grenville Channel. The ditching was successful, and the crew escaped the sinking aircraft. They were quickly retrieved by a rescue operation, though the exact means of rescue is not specified. The aircraft was not recovered and remains submerged.
Investigation and Findings
Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident: an engine explosion for unknown reasons. No further analysis or contributing factors were identified. The official finding does not elaborate on the specific mechanical failure or whether the engine type, maintenance history, or environmental conditions played any role. The crew's actions were not assessed in the report. The lack of recovered wreckage may have limited the depth of the investigation.
Implications
While the report does not draw conclusions or offer safety recommendations, the incident highlights the unpredictable nature of mechanical failures. The quick rescue of the crew underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and timely response. However, no lessons or advice are provided in the source material.