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Crash of a Douglas C-118A Liftmaster in Candle

Date & Time: Aug 1, 2019 at 1400 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N451CE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Fairbanks – Candle
MSN:
43712/358
YOM:
1953
Location:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
9910
Captain / Total hours on type:
147.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
8316
Copilot / Total hours on type:
69
Aircraft flight hours:
42037
Circumstances:
The flight crew was landing the transport-category airplane at a remote, gravel-covered runway. According to the captain, the terrain on the approach to the runway sloped down toward the approach end, which positioned the airplane close to terrain during the final stages of the approach. A video recorded by a bystander showed that while the airplane was on short final approach, it flew low on the glidepath and dragged its landing gear through vegetation near the approach end of the runway. The video showed that, just before the main landing gear wheels reached the runway threshold, the right main landing wheel impacted a dirt and rock berm. The captain said that to keep the airplane from veering to the right, he placed the No. 1 and No. 2 engine propellers in reverse pitch. The flight engineer applied asymmetric reverse thrust to help correct for the right turning tendency, and the airplane tracked straight for about 2,000 ft. The video then showed that the right main landing gear assembly separated, and the airplane continued straight down the runway before veering to the right, exiting the runway, and spinning about 180°, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. On-site examination of the runway revealed several 4-ft piles of rocks and dirt at the runway threshold, which is likely what the right main landing wheel impacted. Given that the airplane landing gear struck vegetation and rocks on the approach to the runway, it is likely that they were below the proper glidepath for the approach. The crew stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glidepath during the approach, which resulted in the airplane impacting rocks and dirt at the runway threshold, a separation of the right main landing gear, and a loss of directional control.
Final Report:

Crash of a Beechcraft E18S in Candle

Date & Time: Oct 4, 1980 at 0815 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N333FL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Candle - Kotzebue
MSN:
BA-29
YOM:
1955
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2660
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll from a contaminated runway, the pilot completed the rotation prematurely. Unable to lift off, the twin engine airplane continued, overran and collided with brushes. All five occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Collision with object during takeoff due to premature liftoff. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot failed to abort takeoff,
- Airport conditions: ice/slush on runway,
- Unable to lift out of ground effect.
Final Report: