The preliminary investigation into the Alaska commuter plane crash that resulted in the deaths of all 10 people onboard revealed that the Bering Air Cessna flight was more than 1,000 pounds overweight at the time of takeoff. This excess weight may have contributed to the rapid loss of altitude and ultimate demise of the plane on February 6, as it was significantly overloaded for Alaska’s expected icy weather conditions. The estimated gross takeoff weight at departure was about 9,865 lbs, exceeding the maximum takeoff gross weight for flight into known or forecast icing conditions by 1,058 lbs. Additionally, the cargo and baggage on the flight weighed about 709 lbs.
The APE III payload extender that the plane was outfitted with increased the maximum gross takeoff weight for the aircraft, despite being 803 lbs over the maximum gross takeoff weight for any flight operation under the APE III flight manual supplement. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated in their preliminary report that there were no significant meteorological weather advisories or warnings at the time of the crash, but the investigation will continue to examine all possible weather factors. The experienced pilot, Chan Antill, 34, had accumulated about 2,500 hours of flight time and held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine and multi-engine land airplanes, as well as instrument privileges.
Antill had flown 58.4 hours in the 30 days preceding the accident and 4.4 hours in the week prior to the crash. The Cessna Caravan flight was traveling between Unalakleet and Nome when authorities lost all contact with the plane just an hour after takeoff. The wreckage was discovered the following day on sea ice off Alaska’s coast, marking the third major plane crash in the US in just over a week. The official cause of the crash has not yet been determined as the NTSB investigation is ongoing, with a full and final report with the official cause to be released at a later date.
The tragic incident highlights the importance of adhering to weight limits and safety regulations in aviation to prevent accidents. The findings of the preliminary investigation suggest that the plane was operating beyond its maximum capacity, which may have jeopardized its ability to navigate the icy weather conditions in Alaska. The NTSB’s continued investigation will aim to provide more clarity on the circumstances that led to the fatal crash and identify any additional factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. The loss of the plane and all 10 individuals onboard serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with air travel, especially in challenging weather conditions.
