Accident Overview
A transport category pilot, who had no recent experience operating light utility airplanes, attempted a landing on a mountainous gravel runway. The landing was long and conducted with a tailwind, conditions that significantly increased the required stopping distance.
Circumstances of Landing
The runway was situated in mountainous terrain with a steep drop-off at the approach end. As the aircraft touched down long, the pilot assessed that the remaining runway was insufficient to stop safely. Additionally, the rising terrain ahead of the runway precluded a go-around. In response, the pilot elected to perform a ground loop—a maneuver intended to minimize ground roll by spinning the aircraft around. The ground loop resulted in substantial damage to the wing and landing gear.
Post-Accident Recovery
Following the accident, the aircraft was not recovered for five months. The delay was attributed to the remoteness of the area, which made access and retrieval operations challenging.
Company Procedures
The company operating the aircraft was engaged in transporting drum fuel to remote strips. According to the source, the company did not require a checkout in the specific type of aircraft and performed no background check of the pilot's experience.