Incident Overview
A fatal aviation accident occurred during a flight operation between McMurdo Sound and Byrd Station. The aircraft was engaged in a logistical mission, transporting eighteen fuel drums along with a crew of workers responsible for retrieving scientific personnel at the destination.
Operational Context
The flight took place under adverse meteorological conditions characterized by limited visibility. These poor weather circumstances significantly impacted the approach phase of the flight, creating challenging visual and navigational environments for the flight crew.
Accident Sequence
During the final approach to Byrd Station, the aircraft encountered a critical failure in its flight path stability. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet above the ground, the airplane executed an uncommanded right bank. This sudden maneuver led directly to a collision with the terrain. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire, resulting in a total loss of the airframe.
Casualties
The crash was fatal for everyone on board. All six occupants, comprising the crew and passengers, lost their lives in the incident. No survivors were reported from this event.