What happened
A DC-4 was operating a visual flight rules mission from a mining strip in Bronson Creek, British Columbia, destined for Wrangell, Alaska. The flight was carrying a crew of three and approximately 16,600 pounds of cargo. While cruising at 1,500 feet above sea level, the crew detected an unusual whining sound in their headsets. After attempting to resolve what they believed was an inverter issue by switching inverters, the noise continued and cockpit electrical instruments began displaying erratic readings.
During this period, the number 2 engine on the left wing began misfiring. Although a fire warning light illuminated briefly without the accompanying alarm bell, the captain visually confirmed that the engine was on fire. The crew performed the standard engine fire procedures, but the flames remained. As the captain initiated a right-hand turn to attempt a return to the Bronson Creek airstrip, the number 2 engine separated from the wing.
In an effort to maintain control, the pilot applied maximum power to the three remaining engines, but the aircraft lost altitude. The crew applied full right deflection to the rudder and aileron controls to counteract a severe leftward yaw and roll. The aircraft experienced intense vibrations, making it impossible to read flight or engine instruments. At roughly 50 feet above the ground, near the Iskut River, the throttles were closed. The aircraft descended sharply, with the burning left wing striking a tree before the fuselage hit the river. The crash resulted in two survivors and one fatality, as the captain is presumed to have drowned while the other crew members swam to safety. The aircraft was destroyed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was the separation of the number 2 engine from the left wing during an active engine fire.