Casualties unknown

Air Taxi Pilot Rescued After Hitting Terrain in Poor Weather (N9603M)

Tununak, AK, US

On January 17, 1997, a Cessna 207A (registration N9603M) was involved in an aviation accident near Tununak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. 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 air taxi pilot transporting cargo to a remote coastal village struck rising terrain after entering clouds while navigating in deteriorating weather. Local villagers on snow machines rescued the pilot.

Incident Details

An air taxi pilot was flying cargo to a remote village located near the sea. The pilot reported navigating by following the coastline, with the ocean on his right and the shore and rising terrain on his left.

As the pilot approached the destination, weather conditions began to deteriorate with lowering clouds, drizzle, and fog. While attempting to decide which direction to turn to avoid the clouds, he entered the clouds and subsequently struck rising terrain.

After the collision, local villagers on snow machines arrived and rescued the pilot. The pilot's condition was not specified in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07255. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.