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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 17, 1996 · Cessna 206 · N942SA

Willow, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 206
Tail Number
N942SA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA035

The pilot was landing the ski-equipped airplane on a frozen and snow covered lake to pick up a passenger. During the landing roll, the airplane hit a small bump and the nose wheel ski broke through the surface of crusty snow. The nose ski then struck uneven terrain below the snow. The nose wheel was sheared off and the airplane nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Snow covered terrain that concealed uneven terrain was a factor in the accident.

Full Narrative

On March 17, 1996, about 1850 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Cessna 206, N942SA, crashed during landing at Trapper Lake, about 15 miles north of Willow, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by Susitna Air Service Inc., Willow, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated from Kashwitna Lake, Kashwitna, Alaska, about 1845. The pilot reported that he was landing on the frozen and snow covered lake to pick up a passenger. During the landing roll, the airplane hit a small bump and the nose wheel ski broke through the surface of crusty snow. The nose ski then struck uneven terrain below the snow. The nose wheel was sheared off and the airplane nosed over. The airplane received damage to the vertical stabilizer and fuselage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 206
Tail NumberN942SA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-M · Reciprocating · 310
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data