On December 2, 1968, a Fairchild F-27B (registration N4905B) operated by Wien Consolidated Airlines,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pedro Bay,alas, ALASKA in flight. 39 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper Maintenance (Maintenance Personnel); Incorrect Weather Forecast; Skin And Attachments; Fatigue Fracture; Turbulence In Flight,Clear Air. Factors: Separation In Flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
This account was generated from NTSB coded accident records (1962–1981 archive); the original record contains no narrative.
On December 2, 1968, a Fairchild F-27B (N4905B) operated by Wien Consolidated Airlines, Inc. was involved in a recorded occurrence at Pedro Bay, Alas, Alaska during the in flight - descending phase, categorised as turbulence.
Accident record
This is a factual summary of the official NTSB coded accident record for a Fairchild F-27B at Pedro Bay, Alas, Alaska on December 2, 1968.
- Date: December 2, 1968
- Aircraft: Fairchild F-27B (registration N4905B)
- Operator: Wien Consolidated Airlines, Inc.
- Location: Pedro Bay, Alas, Alaska
- Phase of operation: IN Flight - Descending
- Occurrence type: Turbulence
- Fatalities: 39
Probable cause
The NTSB recorded the following probable cause and contributing factors:
> Improper Maintenance (Maintenance Personnel); Incorrect Weather Forecast; Skin And Attachments; Fatigue Fracture; Turbulence In Flight,Clear Air. Factors: Separation In Flight
NTSB remarks
The original coded record includes the following remarks (verbatim):
> ENCTRD SVR TO EXTRM UNFCST TURBC. R WING WKND INDETERMINATE DEG BY PRE-EXISTING FATIGUE CRACKS.
About this record
This account is generated directly from the NTSB’s structured accident data for the 1962–1981 period. It reproduces only the coded facts on file and adds no details beyond them.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Dec 1968 Fairchild F-27B accident near Pedro Bay,alas, ALASKA?
On December 2, 1968, a Fairchild F-27B (N4905B) operated by Wien Consolidated Airlines, Inc. was involved in a recorded occurrence at Pedro Bay, Alas, Alaska during the in flight - descending phase, categorised as turbulence.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Dec 1968 Fairchild F-27B accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 39 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Dec 1968 involved a Fairchild F-27B, registration N4905B, operated by Wien Consolidated Airlines,inc., at Pedro Bay,alas, ALASKA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper Maintenance (Maintenance Personnel); Incorrect Weather Forecast; Skin And Attachments; Fatigue Fracture; Turbulence In Flight,Clear Air. Factors: Separation In Flight