No fatalities

Single-Engine Airplane Strikes Wing During Landing Attempt in IMC (N9825F)

Cape Sabine, AK, US

On September 1, 1994, a Cessna 208 (registration N9825F) was involved in an aviation accident near Cape Sabine, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS, NOT FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES, AND OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITIES, AND THE OPERATORS INADEQUATE SURVEILLANCE OF THE OPERATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Part 135 pilot flew a single-engine airplane in IMC using GPS, attempted landing where no instrument approach existed, struck a wing, and successfully landed after three tries with passenger assistance.

Incident Overview

A pilot operating a single-engine airplane under 14 CFR Part 135 conducted a flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a passenger on board. The pilot utilized a GPS receiver to navigate and descend through an overcast layer at a location where no instrument approach procedure was available.

Landing Attempts

During the initial landing attempt, the airplane struck a wing while crossing the runway at a 45-degree angle. The pilot then made two additional landing attempts before successfully bringing the airplane to a stop. The passenger assisted the pilot in completing the final landing.

Operational Context

The flight was conducted under Part 135 regulations, which govern commuter and on-demand operations. The pilot's use of a GPS for descent in IMC without a published instrument approach procedure was a key element of the event. No further details regarding the aircraft, location, or outcome of the landing have been released.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 1994 Cessna 208 accident near Cape Sabine, AK?

A Part 135 pilot flew a single-engine airplane in IMC using GPS, attempted landing where no instrument approach existed, struck a wing, and successfully landed after three tries with passenger assistance.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 1994 Cessna 208 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 208, registration N9825F, at Cape Sabine, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS, NOT FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES, AND OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITIES, AND THE OPERATORS INADEQUATE SURVEILLANCE OF THE OPERATION.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.