Fatal aircraft accident near Willow, Alaska

1 fatality • Skwentna, United States of America • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed into forested terrain near Willow, Alaska, resulting in the death of the pilot during a fuel transport mission.

What happened

On the afternoon of the accident, an aircraft registered to Fuel Services, LLC, departed Wasilla Airport, Alaska, at approximately 1522. The flight was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) with the intent of delivering roughly 900 gallons of diesel fuel to the Nixon Fork Mine, located near McGrath. The mission was being conducted as a cross-country fuel transport flight.

Radar data from the Anchorage TRACON indicated that after its initial departure, the aircraft traveled northwest at speeds between 180 and 193 knots. At approximately 1343, the track changed to a southeast direction. Following this turn, the aircraft's ground speed began to decline from 143 knots to a low of 117 knots. The final radar contact occurred at 1556:47, showing the aircraft traveling at 175 knots, roughly 5.5 nautical miles from the crash site.

Two separate witnesses observed the aircraft in flight. One individual reported seeing the plane flying northwest at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet under overcast skies, noting that the engine sound seemed abnormal. A second witness observed the plane flying southeast at a much lower altitude of 300 to 400 feet, describing the aircraft as sounding as if it were struggling.

When the aircraft failed to reach its destination, the FAA was notified of the overdue flight at 1757. A search was initiated by the 11th Air Force's Rescue Coordination Center. On the morning of October 16, an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules located the wreckage in a heavily wooded area approximately 19 miles west of Willow. The impact with the trees caused a post-crash fire and explosion. Rescue teams arriving via an HH-60G helicopter confirmed that the pilot was the one fatality resulting from the crash.

Findings

  • The aircraft was performing a scheduled fuel delivery to a mining operation.
  • The aircraft's ground speed decreased significantly prior to the final radar contact.
  • Witnesses reported hearing abnormal engine sounds during the flight, with one observer noting the aircraft appeared to be struggling at a low altitude.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a loss of speed and altitude prior to impacting terrain, accompanied by reports of abnormal engine sounds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-10-15 Grumman C-1A Trader accident near Skwentna, United States of America?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into forested terrain near Willow, Alaska, resulting in the death of the pilot during a fuel transport mission.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-10-15 Grumman C-1A Trader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-10-15 involved a Grumman C-1A Trader, registration N27PH, operated by Fuel Services, at Skwentna, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a loss of speed and altitude prior to impacting terrain, accompanied by reports of abnormal engine sounds.

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