What happened
During the early stages of flight departing from Barrow Airport, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the right-side engine. As the plane was performing its initial climb, the loss of power on one side led to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall and impacted the ground, resulting in a post-crash fire.
Of the eight people on board, seven fatalities were recorded. One passenger sustained serious injuries during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to both mechanical and operational errors. The primary factor was the failure of the right engine, though the specific reason for this malfunction remained undetermined.
Additional findings indicated that the crew's response to the emergency was problematic, specifically regarding the management of flight controls, powerplant operations, and the execution of emergency procedures. Furthermore, the aircraft was found to be over its maximum weight limit by 475 lbs. This overloading, combined with issues related to the center of gravity and improper loading, contributed to the plane's inability to handle the asymmetrical thrust following the engine failure. Inadequate preparations prior to the flight were also noted as a contributing factor.