What happened
During a cargo mission transporting fish to Anchorage, an unidentified aircraft type experienced significant mechanical issues before departing from Pilot Point Airstrip. Reports indicate that the left engine nearly ceased functioning on two separate occasions prior to takeoff.
After successfully departing the airstrip, the aircraft began its ascent. During this climb phase, the left engine suffered a complete failure. In response to the engine loss, the captain attempted to execute a left turn to return to the airfield. While the aircraft was at an altitude between 300 and 400 feet, the left wing lost lift and dropped. This led to an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent crash, which resulted in a post-impact fire. There were three fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the accident was the failure of the left engine during the early stages of the climb. Several contributing factors were identified following the investigation:
- The pilot-in-command did not maintain sufficient airspeed during the maneuver
- Information regarding the aircraft's gross weight and center of gravity was unavailable