ANC97FA009

The air taxi charter flight departed Bethel for the purpose of conducting a moose count survey between Russian Mission, Alaska, and Marshall, Alaska. The passenger was a wildlife biologist for the State of Alaska. The airplane was scheduled to stop at Emmonak for fuel. The airplane never arrived. It was located where it had crashed near the Yukon River in a steep, nose down attitude, with the nose buried in the ground. The only trees damaged were those directly adjacent to the airplane, depicting a steep, near vertical, crash path profile. The terrain was flat and tree covered, and there were numerous areas on the ground indicating moose had bedded down. Examination of the airplane disclosed the tachometer on the airplane operated 1.6 hours since the airplane's departure from Bethel. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies were discovered with the engine, airframe, or flight controls.

History of flight

On November 30, 1996, about 1200 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, registered to and operated by Hageland Aviation Services of St. Marys, Alaska, crashed near Marshall, Alaska. The airplane, operating under 14 CFR Part 135 for the purpose of conducting a moose survey, departed Bethel, Alaska, at 1027, on a company visual flight rules flight plan. The destination was Emmonak, Alaska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated airline transport pilot and the passenger received fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed.

According to Hageland Aviation's Chief Pilot, the accident airplane was chartered by the State of Alaska for the purpose of conducting a moose survey between Russian Mission, Alaska, and Marshall. The passenger was a wildlife biologist for the State of Alaska. The airplane departed Bethel, and was scheduled to stop at Emmonak for fuel. The airplane never arrived. Examination of the airplane showed that the tachometer on the airplane operated 1.6 hours since the airplane's departure from Bethel.

The airplane was located near the Yukon River, at geographic coordinates 61 degrees, 37.26 minutes north, and 162 degrees, 00.79 minutes west. The terrain was flat and tree covered, and there were numerous areas on the ground consistent with moose beds. The airplane was located in a near vertical position with the nose buried in the ground.

Witnesses

There are no known witnesses to the accident.

Damage to the aircraft

The airplane was destroyed beyond economical repair. The airplane's instrument panel and forward cockpit section was folded over the rear of the engine. The floor of the cockpit was compressed against the engine. The wings of the airplane remained attached to the cabin roof and the back of the engine aligned with the main spar. The wings were resting vertically on the ground, leading edge down. The main landing gear and wheels remained attached to the fuselage, and both wing struts remained attached to the fuselage and wings. The leading edges of both wings were crushed rearward along the chord line. There was no evidence of pre or post impact fire.

Wreckage and impact information

The airplane crashed in a wooded area. The trees were between 50 and 75 feet in height. The terrain was level and was located on a large island/bar on the Yukon River. The area was covered with snow ranging in depth from 3 inches to 3 feet.

The airplane came to rest with the engine compartment resting in a crater. The nose of the airplane was pointing 087 degrees. This was determined by the location of the tail in relation to the engine.

The major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. Flight control continuity was established up to the cockpit floor where the floor was crushed and the cables could no longer be traced.

The propeller blade remained attached to the front of the engine and only one blade could be seen. Surrounding the accident site were numerous branches ranging up to 2 inches in diameter that were cut at an angle. The length of the branches varied from 12 inches to 24 inches.

Examination of the trees in the area showed that the only trees that showed signs of branch breakage or tree trunk skinning were the three trees directly near the left and right wings of the airplane.

Test and research

The engine was removed from the accident site and shipped to Sea Air Incorporated of Anchorage, Alaska, for further inspection. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies were noted during the inspection. The engine was badly damaged due to impact.