Investigation Summary
The flight was operating significantly behind schedule due to a late arrival and maintenance issues in Minneapolis, including the replacement of landing light bulbs and a weight-and-balance delay that required removing a passenger. Upon reaching the Hibbing area, the crew requested a back-course approach to Runway 13 to avoid a tailwind on the primary runway. Because the aircraft intercepted the localizer at 8,000 feet MSL, it was high on the profile, prompting the captain to initiate a steep descent of approximately 2,000 feet per minute to reach the required step-down altitudes. The captain's aggressive flying style and history of verbal abuse toward subordinates created a toxic cockpit environment where the first officer felt unable to intervene as the aircraft descended through the 2,040-foot minimum altitude. The Jetstream 31 was not equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), which might have provided a final alert before the aircraft struck the treetops.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the captain's actions, which led to a breakdown in crew coordination and a loss of altitude awareness during an unstabilized approach in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors included the airline management's failure to address the captain's known deficiencies in airmanship and CRM, the company's failure to correct widespread unapproved instrument approach practices, and inadequate FAA oversight of the carrier.
Video Analysis
Airlink Tragedy | Mayday Air Disaster — A detailed look at how Captain Marvin Falitz's intimidating behavior and an unstabilized approach led to the crash of Northwest Airlink Flight 5719.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
First Officer
Chad Erickson (25). Had very limited experience on the Jetstream 31 at the time of the accident.
Systems & Failure Modes
Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)
A system designed to alert pilots if their aircraft is in immediate danger of flying into the ground or an obstacle. This aircraft was not equipped with GPWS as it was not yet mandatory for smaller turboprops.
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
Radio navigation technology that measures the slant range distance between the aircraft and a ground station, used by the crew to join the approach arc.
Interesting Facts
- 01The captain had failed three proficiency checks between 1988 and 1993.
- 02The first officer had only 65 hours of experience on the Jetstream 31.
- 03The aircraft was not equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
- 04The descent rate reached as high as 2,500 feet per minute during the final descent phase.
- 05One passenger was removed before departure because the aircraft was 130 pounds over its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).
- 06The crew's decision to delay the start of the descent was potentially motivated by a desire to minimize time spent in known icing conditions.
Safety Actions & Advisories
CRM Training and Oversight
The NTSB recommended that airlines more rigorously monitor pilots with known behavioral or performance issues and ensure that Crew Resource Management (CRM) training is effectively implemented.
GPWS Mandates
The accident reinforced the need for Ground Proximity Warning Systems on smaller regional aircraft, leading to expanded FAA requirements for terrain awareness systems.