What happened
During the execution of the Deep Freeze IV mission in Antarctica, a flight crew was involved in a fatal accident shortly after departure. Following takeoff, the pilot-in-command initiated a sudden leftward turn while maintaining a low altitude. This maneuver resulted in the left wing making contact with the terrain.
As a consequence of the wing strike, the aircraft lost stability and entered an uncontrollable descent. The subsequent impact caused the total destruction of the airplane. There were two fatalities among the crew members, as both pilots on board perished in the crash.
Findings
- The accident was triggered by a sharp turn at low altitude immediately following takeoff.