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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

February 22, 1997 · Cessna 207 · N7389U

Chevak, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 22, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chevak, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 207
Tail Number
N7389U
Operator
Camai Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA027

The pilot was on a cargo flight and was making an intermediate stop at a remote airport. Another company airplane landed about 3 minutes before the accident flight. The weather conditions included flat lighting conditions and overcast skies. Visibility near the runway varied from 1/2 to 3/4 mile in blowing snow, with a right quartering crosswind of 20 to 30 knots. The pilot indicated the airplane developed a high sink rate near the approach end of the runway, and he added engine power to stabilize the landing approach. The pilot reported that about 150 to 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, he encountered white-out conditions. The nose wheel of the airplane struck a snow berm 12 inches wide and 6 inches high, at the edge of the runway safety area, about 100 feet short of the runway threshold. Witnesses observed the airplane approaching the runway at a shallow angle with nearly 200 yards remaining before the beginning of the runway environment. The runway was marked with illuminated lighting and orange cones.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, his misjudgment of distance and altitude during the approach to land, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point during the landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the flat/white-out lighting condition.

Full Narrative

On February 22, 1997, about 1840 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207, N7389U, collided with terrain while landing at Chevak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country cargo flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Camai Air, Bethel, Alaska, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed near the runway. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Bethel airport, about 1730. In the pilot/operator report submitted by the operator, the pilot indicated he was landing on runway 32, about 3 minutes behind another company airplane. The weather conditions included flat lighting conditions, visibility from 1 to 5 miles, and a right quartering crosswind of 20 to 25 knots. The pilot indicated the airplane developed a high sink rate near the approach end of the runway and he added engine power to stabilize the landing approach. About 150 to 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, the pilot reported encountering white-out conditions. The airplane then struck a snow berm with the nose wheel. The pilot reported the snow berm was 12 inches wide, 6 inches high, and extended the full width of the runway. The nose wheel was sheared off, damaging the underside of the fuselage. The airplane touched down on the runway and received damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and nose gear strut. An Alaska State Trooper observed the accident airplane during the landing approach. He estimated the weather conditions as 700 feet overcast, visibility, 1/2 to 3/4 mile in blowing snow, wind from the north at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. The trooper indicated the airplane appeared to be approaching the runway at a shallow angle with nearly 200 yards remaining before the beginning of the runway environment. The airplane collided with a snow berm about 2 feet short of the runway safety area. The runway safety area extends approximately 100 feet from the beginning of the runway threshold. The airplane came to rest on the runway, about 600 feet from the threshold. The trooper also indicated the runway was marked with illuminated lighting and orange cones.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 AKST
Nearest AirportCHEVAK (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length2610 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 207
Tail NumberN7389U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCamai Air
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind325° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility0.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data