NTSB Report Reveals Overweight Plane and Icing Conditions in Fatal Alaska Crash
A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic Bering Air commuter plane crash that occurred on February 6, claiming the lives of all 10 people on board. The report indicates that the aircraft was significantly overweight and operating in known or forecast icing conditions at the time of the incident.
The ill-fated flight, a Textron Aviation 208B, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome when it disappeared from radar. Days later, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered the wreckage of the plane on sea ice approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome.
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the plane was carrying an estimated 798 pounds of baggage and cargo. Based on this information, the estimated gross takeoff weight of the aircraft at departure was approximately 9,865 pounds. This figure is alarming because it exceeds the maximum takeoff gross weight for flight into known or forecast icing conditions by a substantial margin of 1,058 pounds.
The report further detailed that the plane was equipped with a TKS ice protection system, designed to prevent the accumulation of airframe ice. This system utilized porous titanium panels along the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, and wing struts to distribute ice protection fluid from a tank in the cargo pod to critical areas of the aircraft.
However, the NTSB emphasized that the maximum allowable takeoff gross weight for flight into known or forecast icing conditions, as stated in the pilot operating handbook supplement for the TKS system, was 8,807 pounds.
Adding another layer of complexity, FAA records indicated that the aircraft had been equipped with an Aircraft Payload Extender III (APE III) system. This system allowed for an increased maximum gross takeoff weight of 9,062 pounds. Despite this modification, the plane was still approximately 803 pounds over the maximum gross takeoff weight for any flight operation under the APE III flight manual supplement.
The final satellite tracking data point for the aircraft corresponded to a time of 1520:17 and an altitude of 200 feet, suggesting the plane was at low altitude at the time of the last received data.
The NTSB’s report underscores the potential consequences of operating an aircraft beyond its certified weight limits, particularly in challenging weather conditions such as icing. Overweight aircraft can experience degraded performance, including reduced climb rates, increased stall speeds, and impaired maneuverability. These factors can significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially in demanding environments like the Alaskan wilderness.
A senior NTSB aerospace engineer is currently conducting a detailed review of the airplane’s performance as part of the ongoing investigation. This review includes an evaluation of the airplane’s center of gravity location, which is another critical factor in aircraft stability and control. An improperly loaded aircraft can have its center of gravity outside of acceptable limits, making it difficult to handle.
The pilot involved in the crash was identified as Chad Antill, 34, of Nome. According to the NTSB, Antill had accumulated approximately 2,500 hours of total flight time, including 1,060 hours in 208B airplanes.
Among the passengers who perished in the crash were Rhone Baumgartner, 46, and Kameron Hartvigson, 41, who were traveling to Nome after working on a heat recovery system servicing the community’s water plant in Unalakleet. The Associated Press cited the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium as the source of this information.
The other victims of the crash were Liane Ryan, 52, of Wasilla; Donnell Erickson, 58, of Nome; Andrew Gonzalez, 30, of Wasilla; Jadee Moncur, 52, of Eagle River; Ian Hofmann, 45, of Anchorage; Talaluk Katchatag, 34, of Unalakleet, and Carol Mooers, 48, of Unalakleet.
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, and the final report will likely provide a more comprehensive analysis of the factors that contributed to the crash. The investigation will likely examine a range of issues, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, weather conditions, and regulatory oversight.
The findings of the NTSB’s investigation could have significant implications for aviation safety in Alaska and beyond. The report may lead to recommendations for changes in regulations, training procedures, or aircraft maintenance practices to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
The crash has also highlighted the challenges of operating aircraft in remote and unforgiving environments like Alaska, where weather conditions can change rapidly and access to emergency services can be limited. These challenges require pilots to possess exceptional skills, judgment, and situational awareness.
The Alaska aviation community is mourning the loss of life from this tragic accident, and the NTSB’s investigation will play a vital role in understanding the factors that led to the crash and preventing similar tragedies from happening again.
The crash of the Bering Air flight serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to weight limits, operating within aircraft performance capabilities, and making sound decisions in challenging weather conditions. As the NTSB continues its investigation, the aviation community will be closely watching for further insights that can enhance safety and prevent future accidents.
