No fatalities

1975-04-30: Lockheed L-188 Electra (N283F) — Zantop International Airlines — Deadhorse, United States of America

Deadhorse, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 30, 1975, a Lockheed L-188 Electra (registration N283F) operated by Zantop International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Deadhorse, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper level off on part of the copilot who was in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781230269Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Deadhorse Airport, a crew encountered poor weather and struck the runway 1,000 feet past the threshold. The left wing separated, the aircraft veered off the snow-covered runway, and came to rest in flames. All three crew escaped uninjured.

Accident Details

During an approach to Deadhorse Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions. The airplane struck the runway surface 1,000 feet beyond the threshold. After the initial impact, the left wing was torn off, and the airplane went out of control. The runway was covered with snow and ice. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway before coming to rest in flames a few hundred yards farther. The aircraft was destroyed.

Crew and Injuries

All three crew members escaped uninjured.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an improper level off on the part of the copilot who was in command. Contributing factors included:

  • Failure to initiate a go-around
  • Inadequate supervision of flight
  • Low ceiling
  • Fog
  • Snow
  • Blowing snow
  • Hard landing 1,000 feet down the runway
  • Left wing separation from the aircraft
  • Runway covered by snow and ice