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Stall on Approach During Icing Conditions Results in Crash at Barrow Airport (N4048B)

Barrow, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 13, 1978, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N4048B) operated by Arctic Guide Air Taxi was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall on final approach after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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 twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed short of the runway at Barrow Airport during a taxi flight from Anaktuvuk Pass. The aircraft was destroyed, the pilot killed, and the passenger seriously injured.

Accident

A twin-engine airplane was completing a taxi flight from Anaktuvuk Pass to Barrow, Alaska. On final approach to Barrow Airport in icing conditions, the airplane stalled and crashed in flames short of the runway.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot was killed and the passenger was seriously injured.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was a stall on final approach after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.

Contributing Factors

The following contributing factors were reported:

  • Inadequate maintenance and inspection on the part of the maintenance personnel.
  • Improper installation of flight control surfaces.
  • The pilot failed to use or incorrectly used miscellaneous equipment.
  • Improper operation or failure to use anti-icing/deicing equipment.
  • The pilot misused or failed to use flaps.
  • Inadequate flight training procedures on the part of operational supervisory personnel.
  • Deficiency in company-maintained equipment, services, or regulation on the part of operational supervisory personnel.
  • Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain.
  • Improperly installed deice boots on the horizontal stabilizer.
IcingMaintenance errorAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Oct 1978 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Barrow, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed short of the runway at Barrow Airport during a taxi flight from Anaktuvuk Pass. The aircraft was destroyed, the pilot killed, and the passenger seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Oct 1978 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Oct 1978 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N4048B, operated by Arctic Guide Air Taxi, at Barrow, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall on final approach after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.

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