2 fatalities

1968-12-24: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (N760AL) — Interior Airways — Prudhoe Bay, United States of America

Prudhoe Bay, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 24, 1968, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration N760AL) operated by Interior Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Prudhoe Bay, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: - The pilot-in-command continued under VFR mode into adverse weather conditions, - Delayed in initiating go-around, - Downdrafts, - Obstruction to vision, - Blowing snow, - Pilot… 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 reportUpdated 1781238094Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N760AL
Aircraft registered N760AL. Photo: Eduard Marmet / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a night final approach in snow, the pilot lost runway sight at 200 ft, initiated a go-around, but the aircraft struck obstacles and crashed short of the runway, killing two crew and injuring two others.

Accident Details

During the final approach conducted at night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with snowfall. At an altitude of 200 feet, the pilot-in-command lost visual reference with the runway and decided to execute a go-around. However, the airplane struck obstacles and crashed short of the runway.

Crew and Injuries

Two crew members were killed, while two others sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: the pilot-in-command continued under VFR mode into adverse weather conditions, delayed initiation of the go-around, downdrafts, obstruction to vision, blowing snow, and the pilot losing visual reference due to blowing snow.