2 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes on Approach to Sagwon, Killing Both Crew Members (N2711N)

Sagwon, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 6, 1969, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N2711N) operated by Interior Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Sagwon, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper IFR operation on behalf of the crew which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with ground. Contributing factors: low ceiling, weather considerably worse than forecast. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Fairbanks crashed during final approach to Sagwon after encountering low clouds. Both crew members were killed. The probable cause was improper IFR operation leading to a collision with the ground.

Accident

A cargo flight originating from Fairbanks was on final approach to Sagwon when the crew encountered poor weather conditions, including low clouds. While descending to an altitude of 175 feet, the aircraft struck the ground in an approximately 30° bank near a level pitch attitude and crashed. Both crew members sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be improper IFR operation by the crew, which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with the ground. Contributing factors included a low ceiling and weather conditions that were considerably worse than forecast.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1969 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Sagwon, United States of America?

A cargo flight from Fairbanks crashed during final approach to Sagwon after encountering low clouds. Both crew members were killed. The probable cause was improper IFR operation leading to a collision with the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 1969 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1969 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N2711N, operated by Interior Airways, at Sagwon, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Improper IFR operation on behalf of the crew which resulted in an uncontrolled collision with ground. Contributing factors: low ceiling, weather considerably worse than forecast.