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NTSB Report
July 4, 1988 · Cessna 185 · N185BT
Whittier, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1988
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Whittier, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N185BT
Operator
Elmendorf Aero Club
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC88FA083
THE FLIGHT DEPARTED SIX MILE LAKE ON ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE AND WAS DESTINED FOR COGHILL LAKE. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND AT THE 2500 FOOT LEVEL OF A MOUNTAIN ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BURNS GLACIER. THE AIRPLANE HEADING WAS 324 DEGREES. THE HEADING TO GO THROUGH THE PASS OVER BURNS GLACIER IS NORMALLY 104 DEGREES. A VIDEO TAPE FOUND ON BOARD SHOWED THAT THE CLOUDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE GLACIER OBSCURED THE MOUNTAIN TOPS. WEATHER FORECASTS PLACED THE CEILINGS AT 2500 FEET MSL BROKEN TO OVERCAST.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT DEPARTED SIX MILE LAKE ON ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE AND WAS DESTINED FOR COGHILL LAKE. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND AT THE 2500 FOOT LEVEL OF A MOUNTAIN ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BURNS GLACIER. THE AIRPLANE HEADING WAS 324 DEGREES. THE HEADING TO GO THROUGH THE PASS OVER BURNS GLACIER IS NORMALLY 104 DEGREES. A VIDEO TAPE FOUND ON BOARD SHOWED THAT THE CLOUDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE GLACIER OBSCURED THE MOUNTAIN TOPS. WEATHER FORECASTS PLACED THE CEILINGS AT 2500 FEET MSL BROKEN TO OVERCAST.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN185BT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorElmendorf Aero Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:00
Weather SourceWFAC