NTSB Report Details Weight, Speed Factors in Fatal Alaska Crash

A final inquiry into a fatal accident involving a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Alaska has found that the aircraft was significantly overweight and that the pilot failed to monitor airspeed while managing icing conditions. The accident, which occurred on February 6, 2025, resulted in the deaths of all ten occupants during a charter flight from Unalakleet to Nome.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the single-engine turboprop, operated by Bering Air, departed with a weight estimated at 9,800lb. This figure was nearly 1,000lb over the maximum threshold for operating in forecast icing conditions, which is restricted to approximately 8,800lb for the TKS ice-protection system. The inquiry noted a “normalisation of deviance” regarding weight reporting, with the pilot under-reporting fuel weight and utilizing a higher take-off weight limit associated with a modification that was not applicable under the prevailing conditions.

As the aircraft descended, air traffic control instructed the pilot to reduce speed due to runway closures. The airspeed subsequently dropped from 160kt to 114kt. As the plane descended through 6,250ft, data suggests it encountered supercooled large droplets, causing ice to accumulate on unprotected surfaces despite the active de-icing system.

Investigators determined the pilot’s attention was divided between managing the approach and the de-icing system. Upon leveling off at 4,000ft, the pilot reduced engine power, causing airspeed to fall below the 95kt minimum required for icing conditions. The autopilot disengaged at 99kt, and the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall, descending at a rate of 2,000ft/min. The safety board has recommended upset-recovery training for pilots conducting Part 135 operations.

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan is manufactured by Textron Inc., which currently trades with a market capitalization of approximately $14.84 billion. Shares of Textron were up 0.1% in the latest session.

What to watch

• Final publication of the NTSB safety recommendations regarding upset-recovery training mandates.
• Regulatory reviews of weight-and-balance reporting protocols for Part 135 operators.
• Textron Inc. quarterly filings for any updates on fleet safety or service bulletins related to icing operations.

Source: original release