Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Abandoned Building During Takeoff on Icy Gravel Strip (N9946M)

MT Village, AK, US

On January 9, 1985, a Cessna 207 (registration N9946M) was involved in an aviation accident near MT Village, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue a takeoff on an ice-covered, downhill gravel strip despite late liftoff, which resulted in the aircraft contacting an abandoned building during the initial climb. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft departed a short, downhill gravel airstrip covered in ice. The pilot continued the takeoff despite late liftoff and terrain constraints, resulting in a collision with an abandoned building before settling to the ground.

What happened

The flight operation began on a gravel airstrip that was only 2,200 feet long. The runway surface was covered with ice, and the strip was situated on a downward slope. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft did not achieve lift at the expected point in the runway.

Faced with this situation, the pilot evaluated the surrounding terrain. Due to the proximity of obstacles and the downhill gradient, the decision was made to continue the takeoff rather than abort the maneuver. As the aircraft climbed after leaving the ground, it struck the roof of an abandoned building located near the departure path.

Following the impact, the aircraft lost control and settled onto the ground. The final resting position of the wreckage was oriented 90 degrees relative to the original runway heading.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue a takeoff on an ice-covered, downhill gravel strip despite late liftoff, which resulted in the aircraft contacting an abandoned building during the initial climb.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35452. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.