Accident Overview
On short final approach to Fort Wainwright AFB, the airplane lost height, struck approach equipment and an embankment, and crashed approximately 600 feet short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. Both pilots and seven passengers were killed, while nine other occupants sustained injuries.
Exercise Context
The flight was part of a combined exercise named 'Brim Frost.' At the time of the accident, the outside air temperature was -46°C.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the loss of altitude on short final was caused by the combination of frost accretion and an insufficient approach speed.