What happened
While performing firefighting duties on a route between Bettles and Fort Yukon, the aircraft experienced a critical failure during its ascent. The right-hand engine ignited and subsequently exploded. In response to the fire, the pilot directed the co-pilot and four passengers, all of whom were firefighters, to exit the cabin immediately.
The pilot remained on board to manage the emergency, attempting to land the plane on a sandbar situated close to the Kayokuk River. Although the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair, all six occupants were successfully rescued from the site without loss of life.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified an engine fire and a failure in the powerplant as central elements of the event. Several contributing factors were noted during the analysis:
- An internal fire within the right engine
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures
- The presence of loose gravel and sandy terrain at the landing site
- The propeller failing to feather
- The necessity of an off-airport forced landing