PLANE CRASH IN ALASKA

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 13

PLANE CRASH IN ALASKA

All 14 Aboard Killed ANCHORAGE (Alaska), June 15. A Pacific Northern Airlines Constellation airliner crashed 9000 ft up on Mount Gilbert, 60 miles east of Anchorage, early yesterday, killing all 14 persons aboard. A helicopter carrying a six-man mountain rescue team reached the scene late last night and found the wreckage on the rugged slopes of the mountain, but no signs of life. The four-engined plane was on an unscheduled flight from Cordova to Anchorage when it crashed. Earlier yesterday it had flown from Seattle, Washington. A widespread air and sea search got under way when it was reported overdue. The wreckage was spotted by two men from Anchorage in a light plane.

The Navy said one man of the crew of 111 was unaccounted for, but it was not certain if he was aboard when the fire broke out. Witnesses said the explosion was heard throughout the huge Pearl Harbour naval installation. Flames shot 25 feet into the air, followed by thick black smoke. When dock fire units and boats were unable to bring the flames under control, the Sargo was moved a short distance from its dock and submerged. The Navy spokesman said the Sargo was extensively damaged and would have to be dry-docked for repairs. The submarine was to have taken the visiting King and Queen of Thailand on a cruise around Oahu Island today. The Sargo returned to Pearl Harbour on March 3 after a historic under-ice winter exploration cruise of the Arctic basin, including the North Pole. It spent 31 days under the ice, surfacing 20 times through ice up to three feet thick, and logged more than 6000 miles.

Later the Sargo was resurfaced and pumping equipment began emptying the flooded areas. Officers were to board her after the vessel cooled down to see if the missing man was there.