No fatalities

Dual Engine Failure Leads to Crash Landing Near Beaver, Alaska (N208M)

Beaver, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 16, 1965, a Fairchild C-82 Packet (registration N208M) operated by Interior Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Beaver, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines failed en route due to icing. It was determined that weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing in flight. For unknown reason, the crew failed to use the deicing-anti-icing equipment in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a positioning flight to Fairbanks, Alaska, both engines failed simultaneously. The crew attempted an emergency landing but crash landed in a snow-covered area near Beaver. All three crew members were rescued; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Summary

A positioning flight bound for Fairbanks, Alaska, experienced a dual engine failure en route. The crew, unable to maintain the prescribed altitude, opted to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a snow-covered area approximately 100 miles north of Fairbanks, near the community of Beaver. All three crew members were subsequently rescued. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, both engines failed in flight due to icing. Weather conditions were determined to have been conducive to carburetor icing. For reasons unknown, the crew did not use the deicing and anti-icing equipment during the flight. Additionally, while the crew received a report of enroute sky conditions from the airline, they did not obtain any formal weather briefing.

Aftermath

The crew was rescued following the crash. The aircraft was destroyed, but further details regarding the rescue operation or the condition of the crew were not provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1965 Fairchild C-82 Packet accident near Beaver, United States of America?

During a positioning flight to Fairbanks, Alaska, both engines failed simultaneously. The crew attempted an emergency landing but crash landed in a snow-covered area near Beaver. All three crew members were rescued; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 1965 Fairchild C-82 Packet accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1965 involved a Fairchild C-82 Packet, registration N208M, operated by Interior Airways, at Beaver, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Both engines failed en route due to icing. It was determined that weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing in flight. For unknown reason, the crew failed to use the deicing-anti-icing equipment in flight. The crew received a report of enroute sky conditions from the airline but did not receive any…