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Casualties unknown

Night Approach Error Leads to Runway Excursion at Fort Yukon (N36829)

Fort Yukon, AK, US

On November 10, 1982, a Beech A36 (registration N36829) operated by Davis Constructors & Engrs. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Yukon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to activate the runway lights as prescribed on the Jeppesen approach chart, which led to mistaking building lights for runway lights and resulting in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot mistook building lights for runway lights during a night approach at Fort Yukon, Alaska, resulting in the aircraft running off the ramp into snow and brush.

What happened

During a night approach to runway 03 at Fort Yukon, Alaska, the pilot failed to activate the runway lights as required by the Jeppesen approach chart. Instead of identifying the correct lighting configuration, the pilot mistook a row of white lights on nearby buildings for the runway lights. This misidentification led to an incorrect landing path, causing the aircraft to come to a stop after running off the parking ramp and into deep snow and brush.

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's failure to follow prescribed procedures for activating runway lights during a night approach. The confusion between building lights and runway lights highlights the critical importance of adhering to approach charts and verifying lighting cues before landing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to activate the runway lights as prescribed on the Jeppesen approach chart, which led to mistaking building lights for runway lights and resulting in a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 1982 Beech A36 accident near Fort Yukon, AK?

A pilot mistook building lights for runway lights during a night approach at Fort Yukon, Alaska, resulting in the aircraft running off the ramp into snow and brush.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 1982 involved a Beech A36, registration N36829, operated by Davis Constructors & Engrs., at Fort Yukon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to activate the runway lights as prescribed on the Jeppesen approach chart, which led to mistaking building lights for runway lights and resulting in a runway excursion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04233. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.