Aircraft Nosed Over During Go-Around at Remote Airport

Casualties unknown • Teller, AK, US

A commuter flight involving seven people ended in a nose-over accident after an attempted go-around during landing in heavy wind and blowing snow.

What happened

During the completion of a Title 14 CFR Part 135 commuter flight, the pilot and 6 passengers were attempting to land at a remote airport. While a village agent reported surface winds of 15 knots from the south, the pilot observed blowing snow across the runway and estimated wind speeds between 30 and 35 knots. The pilot also noted the presence of downdraft conditions at the airport.

Approximately one-half mile from the runway threshold, the pilot configured the aircraft with 20 degrees of flap and lowered the right wing. To maintain alignment with the runway, the pilot utilized nearly all available rudder travel. As the aircraft reached about 25 feet above the ground, an increasing sink rate prompted the pilot to apply full power in an attempt to execute a go-around.

During this maneuver, the pilot raised the nose and retracted the flaps from the 20-degree setting to the up position, and subsequently to 10 degrees. Despite these actions, the aircraft continued to descend. The plane touched down approximately 800 feet beyond the landing threshold, to the left of the runway centerline.

The runway surface was rutted due to previously melted snow and ice. After touching down, the aircraft departed the left edge of the runway, where the nose wheel dug into soft snow, causing the airplane to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-03 Cessna 207 accident near Teller, AK?

A commuter flight involving seven people ended in a nose-over accident after an attempted go-around during landing in heavy wind and blowing snow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-03 involved a Cessna 207, registration N6299H, operated by Olson Air Service, at Teller, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors related to the accident were: a crosswind, a downdraft, the pilot's delayed go-around, improper raising of the flaps, and inadvertent touchdown during the attempt to go around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07639. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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