Probable cause
The total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured first-stage compressor blade due to fatigue cracking. The source of the fatigue crack could not be determined due to secondary damage sustained to the fracture surface.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after the scheduled commuter flight departed with the second-in-command (SIC) at the controls, the engine "coughed," started vibrating, and lost power. The SIC attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot-in-command assumed control of the airplane and landed on a frozen bay, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's right wing and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane's engine revealed that one of the first-stage compressor blades had fractured due to fatigue cracking. The source of the fatigue crack could not be determined due to secondary damage sustained to the fracture surface.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13LA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 3, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mekoryuk, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Mekoryuk (MYU)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 208B
- N-number
- N169LJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.