What happened
During the execution of Operation Deep Freeze 1 in Antarctica, a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter experienced a significant mechanical failure shortly after departing from the runway. Following takeoff, the pilot communicated that the aircraft's flight controls had become jammed.
Due to this loss of control authority, the aircraft began a descent back toward the surface. The plane impacted the snow with high force during the landing sequence. The impact was severe enough that both main ski struts were driven into the fuselage of the aircraft. Following the crash-landing, crews worked to strip the wreckage of all salvageable components. The remaining airframe was abandoned to be carried away by the drifting sea ice.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was that the flight controls became stuck immediately after takeoff.