The Ghost of Gustavus: A Douglas C-47B's Last Stand
In a remote Alaskan landscape, the remnants of a Douglas C-47B aircraft lie undisturbed, a poignant reminder of a fateful November night in 1957. This historical site, now part of the natural environment, tells a story of survival and loss, where nature has slowly reclaimed a piece of aviation history. The site serves as a quiet monument, inviting contemplation on human resilience in the face of tragedy and the enduring power of nature.
The events leading to the crash underscore the perilous conditions faced by early aviators. The crew’s valiant efforts to navigate treacherous weather and dwindling resources ultimately ended in a dramatic impact, yet allowed for the survival of most on board. Today, the crash site stands not only as a memorial to those who perished but also as a testament to the community’s prompt and courageous response.
The Fateful Flight of 1957
On a frigid November evening in 1957, a twin-engine Douglas C-47B from the National Guard, with 11 people aboard, encountered severe difficulties while en route to Anchorage, Alaska from Tacoma, Washington. The aircraft was critically low on fuel after being forced to bypass its scheduled stop at Annette Island due to intense turbulence and strong winds. The crew decided to divert to Gustavus, a choice made in desperation given the initially favorable weather conditions at Gustavus, coupled with its superior night landing facilities compared to Juneau. However, as the plane neared its destination, a sudden and heavy snowfall began, drastically reducing visibility.
The pilot attempted an initial landing, but the whiteout conditions made it impossible. During a second attempt, flying too low, the plane clipped a tall tree. This impact sent the aircraft spiraling, ultimately crashing nose-first into the ground approximately two miles northwest of the runway. The severity of the crash was devastating for those in the cockpit, as the four crew members tragically lost their lives. Miraculously, the seven passengers on board survived the impact and were subsequently rescued by local homesteaders who bravely responded to the crash site that very night.
A Lasting Memorial in the Wilderness
The Douglas C-47B aircraft, never salvaged, remains at the site of its crash, nestled in the dense Alaskan wilderness northwest of Gustavus Airport. Over the decades, the plane’s wreckage has become an integral part of the surrounding forest, slowly being enveloped by the growing vegetation. This unique historical landmark is now accessible to the public via a short, quarter-mile hike from Mountain View Road, offering a somber yet compelling destination for visitors.
At the crash site, a memorial sign has been erected, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. It honors the lives lost and acknowledges the dramatic events of that snowy night. Observing the decaying aircraft, visitors can witness firsthand how nature reclaims man-made structures, creating a powerful tableau where history and the natural world converge. The site stands as a silent testament to the perils of early aviation and the enduring legacy of a moment frozen in time within the serene, wild landscape of Alaska.