Casualties unknown

Pilot Misidentifies Mountain Pass, Forced Landing on Steep Slope (N9480M)

Mountain Villag, AK, US

On August 12, 1985, a Cessna C-207 (registration N9480M) operated by Hermans Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mountain Villag, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aware of weather conditions intended to fly through a known pass but misidentified it, entering a narrow valley. Unable to turn due to width and terrain rising into clouds, the pilot made a landing on an 80 percent slope.

Background

The pilot-in-command was operating in weather conditions and intended to fly through a locally well-known mountain pass. The pilot was aware of the weather he was operating in.

Incident

During the flight, the pilot misidentified the intended pass and instead entered a narrow valley. The valley was of insufficient width to execute a 180-degree turn. Additionally, the rising valley floor continued into clouds that obscured the mountain tops, limiting visibility and options.

Outcome

Faced with these constraints, the pilot elected to land the airplane straight ahead on an 80 percent slope. The landing was made on the slope as a deliberate action to avoid further hazard.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.