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Crash of a Douglas C-54D-DC Skymaster in Fairbanks: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 23, 2024 at 1001 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N3054V
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
10547
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
After takeoff from runway 20R at Fairbanks Airport, the airplane climbed to the altitude of about 1,700 feet when it rolled to the left. It entered an uncontrolled descent until it crashed in a huge explosion on the south bank of the Tanana River. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and both crew members were killed. The accident occurred about six minutes after takeoff, apparently following the explosion of one of both left engines.

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 Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando in Manley Hot Springs

Date & Time: Jul 16, 2018 at 0925 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1822M
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Fairbanks – Kenai
MSN:
22521
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6500
Captain / Total hours on type:
3500.00
Copilot / Total flying hours:
300
Copilot / Total hours on type:
135
Aircraft flight hours:
37049
Circumstances:
The pilot reported that, following a precautionary shutdown of the No. 2 engine, he diverted to an alternate airport that was closer than the original destination. During the landing in tailwind conditions, the airplane touched down "a little fast." The pilot added that, as the brakes faded from continuous use, the airplane was unable to stop, and it overran the end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause:
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown speed and his decision to land with a tailwind without ensuring that there was adequate runway length for the touchdown.
Final Report: