On June 2, 1958, Alaska Airlines Flight 354, a Douglas DC-4, departed from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport bound for Juneau, Alaska, with a scheduled stop in Ketchikan, Alaska. The flight was operated by Captain James H. Kelly and First Officer Jerry D. Clark, both experienced pilots with a combined total of over 10,000 hours of flight time. The aircraft, registration N9101, was a reliable workhorse for the airline, having been in service since 1946. As the plane took off from Seattle, it carried 39 passengers and a crew of 4, including two flight attendants.
Flight Overview and Safety Concerns
The flight was expected to be routine, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Ketchikan. However, as the plane flew north, it encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with low clouds and visibility reduced to less than 1 mile. The pilots were experienced in flying in such conditions, but the weather posed a significant challenge. The National Weather Service had issued a forecast predicting scattered thunderstorms and turbulence in the area, which the pilots were aware of. The aircraft was equipped with modern navigation equipment, including a gyrocompass and a radio direction finder, but the pilots relied heavily on their visual skills to navigate through the dense clouds.
Aircraft Performance and Pilot Expertise
The Douglas DC-4 was a widely used aircraft at the time, known for its reliability and performance. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 73,000 pounds and was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-2000 engines, each producing 1,450 horsepower. The plane’s service ceiling was 24,000 feet, and it had a range of over 4,000 miles. Captain Kelly and First Officer Clark were both experienced pilots, with Captain Kelly having over 5,000 hours of flight time and First Officer Clark having over 3,000 hours. They had both flown the DC-4 extensively and were familiar with its performance characteristics.
| Aircraft Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 73,000 pounds |
| Service Ceiling | 24,000 feet |
| Range | 4,000 miles |
| Engines | 4 x Pratt & Whitney R-2000 |
| Engine Power | 1,450 horsepower each |
Accident Investigation and Causes
At 12:15 PM local time, the plane crashed into the side of a mountain, approximately 20 miles east of Ketchikan. The impact was severe, and the plane was destroyed, killing all 41 people on board. The accident investigation was conducted by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), which concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the pilots’ failure to follow established instrument flying procedures. The investigation revealed that the pilots had become disoriented in the dense clouds and had lost control of the aircraft.
Safety Recommendations and Regulatory Changes
The accident led to significant changes in aviation safety regulations. The CAB recommended that all commercial airlines implement more rigorous instrument flying training programs for their pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also implemented new regulations requiring all commercial aircraft to be equipped with modern navigation equipment, including radar and GPS. The accident also highlighted the importance of crew resource management (CRM) training, which emphasizes the need for effective communication and decision-making among crew members.
Key Points
- The accident occurred on June 2, 1958, when Alaska Airlines Flight 354 crashed into a mountain near Ketchikan, Alaska.
- The probable cause of the accident was the pilots' failure to follow established instrument flying procedures.
- The accident led to significant changes in aviation safety regulations, including the implementation of more rigorous instrument flying training programs and the requirement for modern navigation equipment.
- The accident highlighted the importance of crew resource management (CRM) training and the need for effective communication and decision-making among crew members.
- The Douglas DC-4 was a reliable aircraft, but the weather conditions posed a significant challenge, and the pilots would have had to rely heavily on their instruments to navigate safely.
Legacy and Rememberance
The accident was a significant tragedy, and it had a profound impact on the families of the victims. The crash site was located in a remote area, and it took several days for rescue teams to reach the site. The accident led to a major overhaul of aviation safety regulations, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced navigation equipment and training programs. Today, the accident is remembered as a significant event in the history of aviation, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in the aviation industry.
What was the cause of the Alaska Airlines Flight 354 accident?
+The probable cause of the accident was the pilots’ failure to follow established instrument flying procedures, which led to their becoming disoriented in the dense clouds and losing control of the aircraft.
What were some of the safety recommendations that came out of the accident investigation?
+The investigation led to recommendations for more rigorous instrument flying training programs, the requirement for modern navigation equipment, and the implementation of crew resource management (CRM) training.
What was the impact of the accident on the aviation industry?
+The accident led to significant changes in aviation safety regulations, including the implementation of more advanced navigation equipment and training programs. It also highlighted the importance of crew resource management (CRM) training and the need for effective communication and decision-making among crew members.
