What happened
During a mission operated by the Air National Guard, an aircraft was transporting essential equipment to scientists stationed at the Cape Romanzof Weather Station. The flight originated from Elmendorf AFB and was performing its duties as a supply transport.
As the crew approached the destination airfield, they encountered severe whiteout conditions. Due to the lack of visibility, the pilot-in-command could not identify the runway. In an attempt to recover the situation, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. During this phase of flight, the aircraft impacted a ridge situated several miles northwest of the landing strip.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were five fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
- The primary factor contributing to the accident was the presence of whiteout conditions which prevented the pilot from locating the runway during the approach.