On February 13, 1991, a Boeing 737-200 (registration N672MA) operated by Markair, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Unalaska, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE WINDSHEAR ENCOUNTERED ON SHORT FINAL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RISING TERRAIN WITHIN 150 FEET OF THE RUNWAY, THE VARIABLE NATURE OF THE WIND DUE TO THE RISING TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LATERAL CONTROL DURING THE GO AROUND. 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.
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
During a final approach, a go-around was initiated after a 30-knot airspeed deviation. The airplane sank and rolled right, causing the right wing tip to scrape the runway.
Runway and Terrain
The runway is oriented from southeast to northwest. A mountain with an elevation of 1,634 feet is located within 150 feet east of the runway. The landing threshold for Runway 30 is situated directly downwind of this mountain.
Weather Conditions
Wind was reported from the northwest at 14 knots with gusts reaching 25 knots.
Approach and Go-Around
During the final approach, the first officer observed a plus 30 knot deviation in airspeed and called for the captain to initiate a go-around. The captain had already begun to apply power when the airplane started to sink and roll to the right.
Wingtip Strike
As the go-around was executed, the right wing tip scraped the runway surface.
What happened in the 13 Feb 1991 Boeing 737-200 accident near Unalaska, AK?
During a final approach, a go-around was initiated after a 30-knot airspeed deviation. The airplane sank and rolled right, causing the right wing tip to scrape the runway.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 1991 Boeing 737-200 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 1991 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration N672MA, operated by Markair, Inc., at Unalaska, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE WINDSHEAR ENCOUNTERED ON SHORT FINAL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RISING TERRAIN WITHIN 150 FEET OF THE RUNWAY, THE VARIABLE NATURE OF THE WIND DUE TO THE RISING TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LATERAL CONTROL DURING THE GO AROUND.
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