What happened
During a search and rescue operation in the Yukon region, an aircraft crashed while attempting to locate a US Air Force C-54 that had been missing since January 26. While performing the mission near Snag, the crew encountered hazardous meteorological conditions characterized by low cloud cover.
As the flight proceeded close to a mountain slope, the aircraft was struck by powerful downdrafts. This loss of altitude resulted in a crash onto rocky and snow-covered terrain. Despite the impact, all 10 occupants were successfully rescued from the site.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair, leading to its abandonment at the crash site.
- Severe downdrafts encountered during flight near mountainous terrain were the primary factor in the loss of control.