1997-01-17: Cessna 207A — Tununak, AK

Casualties unknown • Tununak, AK, US

Probable cause

the pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Factors associated with the accident were: low ceiling, fog, rising terrain, and the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The air taxi pilot was flying cargo to a remote village located near the sea. He reported he was following the coastline, with the ocean on his right, and the shore and rising terrain on his left. He indicated that as he approached his destination, the weather conditions began to deteriorate with lowering clouds, drizzle, and fog. He was trying to decide which direction to turn to avoid clouds, when he entered the clouds and struck rising terrain. The pilot was subsequently rescued by local villagers on snow machines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-17 Cessna 207A accident near Tununak, AK?

The air taxi pilot was flying cargo to a remote village located near the sea. He reported he was following the coastline, with the ocean on his right, and the shore and rising terrain on his left. He indicated that as he approached his destination, the weather conditions began to deteriorate with lowering clouds,…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-17 involved a Cessna 207A, registration N9603M, at Tununak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Factors associated with the accident were: low ceiling, fog, rising terrain, and the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions.

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.

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