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May 4, 2013 · Cessna 207A · N9400M

Newtok, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 2013
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Newtok, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 207A
Tail Number
N9400M
Operator
Hageland Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC13CA042

The pilot of a scheduled commuter flight reported that he was about 4 miles north of the destination airport and operating in VFR weather conditions. According to the operator, as the flight approached the airport, the visibility was reduced due to fog. The pilot then initiated a gradual descent over an area of featureless, snow-covered terrain, which made it difficult to discern any topographical terrain features due to flat light conditions. The operator reported that the pilot could see his destination airport in the distance but that, during the descent, he became “uncomfortable” with the approach, and he initiated a go-around. The airplane subsequently collided with a snow-covered frozen river, about 1 mile from the approach end of the airport, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. One of the passengers aboard the accident airplane wrote, in part, “I looked out the window to my right to see if I could see the airport and did not, it was too foggy.” The operator reported that the accident flight was the pilot’s second attempt to reach the destination airport that day. During the previous flight that morning, poor weather conditions prevailed, so the pilot returned to his departure airport to wait for weather conditions to improve.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while on approach in flat light conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a scheduled commuter flight reported that he was about 4 miles north of the destination airport, operating in VFR weather conditions. According to the operator, as the flight approached the airport, the visibility was reduced due to fog. The pilot then initiated a gradual descent over an area of featureless, snow-covered terrain, which made it difficult to discern any topographical terrain features due to flat light conditions. In the operator’s written statement to the NTSB, it was reported that the pilot could see his destination airport in the distance, but during the descent he became “uncomfortable” with the approach, and he initiated a go-around. The airplane subsequently collided with a snow-covered frozen river, about 1 mile from the approach end of the airport, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In a written statement provided by one of the passengers aboard the accident airplane, she wrote, in part: “…I looked out the window to my right to see if I could see the airport and did not, it was too foggy.” The operator reported that the accident flight was the pilot’s second attempt to reach the destination airport that day. During the previous flight that morning poor weather conditions prevailed, so the pilot returned to his departure airport to wait for weather conditions to improve.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 AKDT
Nearest AirportNEWTOK (1nm)
Runway33
Runway Length2202 ft
Runway Width35 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 207A
Tail NumberN9400M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHageland Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 43 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data