Accident Description
A crew was completing a transpacific flight from Sangley Point Air Force Base to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, with probable en route stops in Japan and Alaska (Elmendorf or Ladd Army Airfield). While at cruising altitude, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Fairweather, located approximately 123 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska.
Search and Recovery
After the aircraft failed to arrive at Whidbey Island NAS, search and rescue operations were conducted. These operations were eventually suspended a few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 14 crew members was found. In 1982, the wreckage was discovered in an isolated area.
Probable Cause
The official findings state the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain.