Introduction
On a cargo flight from Pilot Point Airstrip to Anchorage, Alaska, an aircraft carrying a load of fish experienced a left engine failure during initial climb, leading to a stall and crash. All three crew members were killed.
Sequence of Events
Prior to takeoff, the left engine nearly quit twice. After a normal takeoff, while climbing, the left engine failed. The captain decided to return and initiated a left turn. From a height of 300–400 feet, the left wing dropped. The airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was completing a cargo flight to Anchorage, carrying a load of fish.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons. Contributing factors reported include the pilot-in-command failing to maintain flying speed, and unknown gross weight and center of gravity.