Twin-engine aircraft crash near Rothera Station

4 fatalities • Rothera Station, Antarctica • Takeoff (climb)

A charter flight departing from Rothera Station crashed into an iceberg during its initial climb, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft was operating a charter service from Rothera Station runway 18, bound for Terra Nova. The flight was carrying a total of four people, consisting of two pilots and two passengers. Shortly after takeoff, during the early stages of the climb, the aircraft began to exhibit instability, characterized by a side-to-side rolling motion.

At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the twin-engine aircraft experienced a stall. This led to a crash into the slope of an iceberg situated facing the airport. The impact caused the plane to burst into flames. There were four fatalities resulting from the accident.

Findings

The aircraft entered a state of instability during the initial climb phase.
The flight experienced a stall at a very low altitude before impacting the terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a stall during the initial climb phase, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with an iceberg.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-11-24 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Rothera Station, Antarctica?

A charter flight departing from Rothera Station crashed into an iceberg during its initial climb, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-11-24 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-11-24 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration C-GKBD, operated by Kenn Borek Air, at Rothera Station, Antarctica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?