What happened
A flight operating between McMurdo Sound and Byrd Station was engaged in a mission to deliver 18 drums of fuel and transport crew members intended for a personnel pickup. During the approach to the destination, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by restricted visibility.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the aircraft executed a right bank before impacting the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire. There were six fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
The accident occurred while the aircraft was in the approach phase of flight. The primary contributing factor was the presence of poor weather and limited visibility during the descent toward the airfield.