Lockheed Constellation ‘Pegasus’ crash landed onto the icy fields of Antarctica on October 8, 1970.
The ill-fated flight had run into a storm and was forced to crash land in impossible weather conditions.
Where the aircraft dramatically slid to a halt nearly 35 years ago is the exact same position it lies today, now half-buried in snow.
The Accident
Before the departure from Christchurch, the crew was informed that weather conditions at McMurdo Sound station were favourable. Unfortunately, these conditions deteriorated in flight and upon arrival, the crew was unable to locate the runway.
The visibility was zero due to the blowing snow, causing white out conditions. Instead of returning to Christchurch, the captain decided to make a go-around and during a second attempt to land, he misjudged his altitude.
The right main gear struck a snowbank and was torn off. The aircraft then ricochetted up from the impact, and it‘s right wing dug into the snow and was torn off. As the aircraft slid in its death throes, parts and debris were flung everywhere, eventually spinning around 270 degrees before coming to a rest. (See above picture of the debris field). Fortunately the fuselage stayed intact, and no fire erupted.
Amazingly all 80 occupants survived and were later rescued, but the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Date of Accident: Oct 8, 1970 at 2010 LT
Type of Aircraft: Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation
Registration: 131644
Flight Phase: Landing (Descent and approach)
Flight Type: Military
Crash Site: Less than 10km from airport
Schedule: Christchurch, New Zealand to McMurdo Sound, Antartica
MSN: 4145
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Location: Mc Murdo Sound, Antartica
Crew on board: 12
Pax on board: 68
Survivors: Yes
Present day
Throughout the years, many have visited the crash site, and end up taking hundreds of pictures. These then end up on social media and many aviation enthusiasts then ask why the aircraft cannot be salvaged. The pictures show the aircraft looks complete and in very good condition and thus potentially salvageable. But looks are deceiving, and the snow and ice hide the massive damage sustained from the crash.
If you look carefully at some of the pictures available, you will see that the fuselage is slightly twisted towards the tail. The sad fact is that Pegasus will remain in Antarctica forever, never to return home. The other unfortunate fact is that through the years, souvenier hunters are slowly stripping the aircraft, even breaking holes in the fuslage to get inside.
The crash inspired researchers to rename the ice runway and airfield after the wrecked aircraft. However, Pegasus Field closed in December 2014 due to excess summer snow melt.