What happened
The aircraft departed Adak with the intention of reaching Elmendorf Air Force Base, planning an intermediate stop at Cold Bay. During the late evening hours, the crew was approaching Elmendorf when they encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by snowfall.
The initial landing attempt was aborted. While executing a second circuit to land, the aircraft descended too low and collided with cottonwood trees. The impact caused the plane to crash into a swampy area situated 4 km southwest of the airbase. All 19 occupants were killed in the accident, comprising 15 enlisted personnel and four crew members.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the fatal collision was an engine failure.