Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

December 15, 1997 · Cessna 207 · N707FY

Alakanuk, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Alakanuk, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 207
Tail Number
N707FY
Operator
Camai Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC98LA012

The pilot departed on a CFR Part 135 cargo flight that included several stops. During the trip, the pilot indicated he operated the airplane on the right fuel tank for 30 minutes. During the balance of trip, the pilot utilized the left fuel tank. Just prior to landing at the accident destination the engine began to run rough and sputter. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the left fuel tank to the right tank, and activated the engine boost pump. The engine did not respond, and the pilot switched back to the left tank while activating the engine starter. The pilot noticed the airplane was too high to land at the approach end of the destination airport runway, and he selected an emergency landing area off the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane collided with numerous trees, and received damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear. The Director of Operations for the operator reported that following the accident he inspected the accident airplane. The inspection revealed no fuel in the left wing fuel tank, and no fuel in the left fuel reservoir tank. The operator indicated there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's mismanagement of the airplane's fuel which led to the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On December 15, 1997, about 1318 Alaska standard time, a Cessna 207 airplane, N707FY, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at the Alakanuk Airport, Alakanuk, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cargo flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane is registered to Village Aviation Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, and operated by Camai Air, Bethel, Alaska. 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 at the Emmonak Airport, Emmonak, Alaska, about 1313. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on December 16, 1997, at 0830, the Director of Operations for Camai Air reported the pilot was landing at Alakanuk with a load of cargo. About 700 to 800 feet above the ground, the engine began to run rough, and sputter. The pilot performed a forced landing about 1/8 mile from the Alakanuk Airport. In the pilot/operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the operator, the pilot reported his route of flight was a trip from Bethel, to Hooper Bay, Alaska, to Emmonak, and then to Alakanuk. During the trip, the pilot indicated he operated the airplane on the right fuel tank for 30 minutes. During the balance of the trip, the pilot selected the left fuel tank. The pilot indicated when the engine began to lose power, he switched the fuel selector from the left fuel tank to the right tank, and activated the engine boost pump. The engine did not respond, and the pilot switched back to the left tank while activating the engine starter. The pilot reported he noticed the airplane was too high to land at the approach end of runway 18 at the Alakanuk Airport, and too low to make a turn for landing on runway 36. The pilot selected an emergency landing area off the departure end of runway 18. During the landing, the airplane collided with numerous trees, and received damage to the left wing, fuselage, and landing gear. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB IIC on December 29, 1997, at 1050, the Director of Operations for the operator reported he inspected the accident airplane. The inspection revealed no fuel in the left wing fuel tank, and no fuel in the left fuel reservoir tank. In the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the operator indicated there was no mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:18 AKST
Nearest AirportALAKANUK (1nm S)
Runway18
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 207
Tail NumberN707FY
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCamai Air
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data