What happened
During a GPS instrument approach, an aircraft collided with frozen pack ice approximately three miles from the destination airport. At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions, characterized by fog and snow that limited visibility to 0.75 miles.
According to statements provided by the pilot, the descent was steep and conducted while the autopilot was active. As the aircraft crossed the final approach course, the autopilot initiated a turn toward the airport. The pilot observed that the aircraft had overshot the intended course and that the autopilot was failing to provide adequate corrections. In response, the pilot disengaged the autopilot and attempted to manually steer the aircraft to intercept the final approach course.
During this period of descent, the pilot was performing several tasks, including completing the landing checklist, extending the flaps and landing gear, and tuning communication and navigation radios. The pilot reported that while focused on adjusting the radio frequencies, the sea ice approached too rapidly to allow for an evasive maneuver, leading to the impact with terrain.
Findings
- The pilot reported that the aircraft showed no mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.
- The pilot noted a failure to stay ahead of the aircraft while managing multiple cockpit tasks during the descent.