Melting Alaska Glacier Slowly Reveals Remains of Long-Lost U.S. Servicemen - SnowBrains

"The plane was enroute to Elmendorf Air Force Base, near Anchorage, from Washington state when the fateful accident occurred. Strong winds, swirling snow, and near-zero visibility are factors thought to contribute to the crash. The plane obviously was flying at full speed and appeared to have slid down the cliffs of Mount Gannett and exploded."

"From this, I conclude he was on instrument, flying blind, and probably crashed without any warning whatsoever to him directly into the southerly face of Mt. Gannett. Though initially discovered only days after the accident, the rugged nature of the glacier led many of the 52 deceased servicemen's bodies to remain lost for decades."

"The story resurfaced, however, in June of 2012, when melting glaciers revealed a yellow raft some 14 miles from the original crash site. The national guard sent troops to investigate on foot, and it was found to be from the 1952 incident. Remains of several deceased troops were discovered, preserved in nearly identical condition due to the glacier."

Alaska's warming temperatures are causing glaciers to melt and reveal long-buried secrets, including remains from a 1952 military plane crash at Mt. Gannett in the Chugach mountains. The aircraft, en route to Elmendorf Air Force Base from Washington state, crashed due to strong winds, heavy snow, and poor visibility. Mountaineer and pilot Terris Moore discovered the wreckage shortly after the accident, noting the plane appeared to have hit the mountain at full speed while flying blind on instruments. Though initially found, the rugged glacier terrain prevented recovery of the 52 deceased servicemen's bodies for decades. In 2012, melting glaciers revealed a yellow raft from the crash site, prompting National Guard investigation and discovery of remarkably preserved remains.

Read at SnowBrains