Accident Summary
An aircraft operating between Kotzebue and Red Dog experienced an engine failure attributed to icing during the en route phase. The pilot initiated a descent and attempted an emergency landing off airport on land. However, the aircraft crashed and was subsequently destroyed by a post-impact fire. The pilot escaped the accident with minor injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a controlled collision with ground due to the improper operation of the powerplant and powerplant controls. Several factors were identified as contributing to the event: improper operation or failure to use anti-icing/deicing equipment, carburetor ice, loss of engine power resulting from the icing, the forced landing off airport on land, and the presence of fog.
Investigation Details
The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or the precise date and time of the occurrence. No information was provided regarding the weather conditions beyond the mention of fog. The accident sequence was confined to the area between the two Alaskan locations, but no further geographic details were released.