Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 22 December 1955
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada UC-1 Otter (DHC-3)
Owner/operator: United States Navy
Registration Number: 142424
Location: near Cape Bird, Ross Island –
ÿ Antarctica
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Main ski strutsMain ski struts
Category: Accident
An Otter aircraft, participating in Operation Deep Freeze 1, experienced a catastrophic crash-landing in Antarctica due to control issues after takeoff. The aircraft descended sharply, resulting in severe damage to the main ski struts, forcing them into the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently floated out on the sea ice.An Otter aircraft, participating in Operation Deep Freeze 1, experienced a catastrophic crash-landing in Antarctica due to control issues after takeoff. The aircraft descended sharply, resulting in severe damage to the main ski struts, forcing them into the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently floated out on the sea ice.
Description
The Otter was part of Operation Deep Freeze 1 in Antarctica. After takeoff the pilot reported that his controls were stuck. The aircraft descended again and struck the snow hard. Both main ski struts were forced into the fuselage as the airplane crash-landed. Salvageable parts were removed and the aircraft was left to float out on the sea ice.
Source of Information
http://www.VAQ34.comhttp://www.VAQ34.comPrimary Cause
Control issues during takeoff and subsequent descent.Control issues during takeoff and subsequent descent.Share on:
