What happened
On August 9, 2010, a de Havilland DHC-3T aircraft, registration N455A, crashed into heavily forested mountains approximately 10 nautical miles northeast of Aleknagik, Alaska. The flight, operated by GCI Communication Corp., departed from a private lodge on Lake Nerka at approximately 1427 local time. The intended destination was a remote fishing camp located roughly 52 nautical miles southeast along the Nushakag River.
Earlier that day, the pilot had completed a flight to Dillingham Airport, reporting turbulent conditions and low ceilings. Although the pilot initially expressed hesitation regarding flying to the fishing camp due to the weather, the group decided to proceed after weather conditions appeared to improve during lunch. No flight plan had been filed for the trip.
During the flight, passengers provided varying accounts of the visibility. While some noted the presence of fog or light turbulence, one passenger reported experiencing "white-out" conditions where the ground was no longer visible. One passenger observed the pilot maneuvering the aircraft along the tree line and following streams to avoid terrain. During a left turn, the aircraft struck the mountainside at an elevation of approximately 950 feet. The impact resulted in five fatalities and four serious injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft struck steep, wooded terrain in the Muklung Hills.
- The flight was conducted under conditions that included visibility issues, with at least one passenger reporting a total loss of ground visibility.
- The pilot utilized terrain features, such as streams and tree lines, to navigate the landscape.