Casualties unknown

Commuter Flight Experiences Runway Excursion During Landing in Snowy Conditions (N6299H)

Teller, AK, US

On April 3, 1997, a Cessna 207 (registration N6299H) operated by Olson Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Teller, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control during the landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 commuter flight with a pilot and 6 passengers touched down left of the runway centerline during a landing in estimated 30-35 kt winds and downdrafts. The airplane departed the runway and nosed over.

Landing Attempt

The pilot and 6 passengers were landing at a remote airport at the completion of a Title 14 CFR Part 135 commuter flight. A village agent reported the surface wind condition as 15 kts from the south. The pilot observed blowing snow across the runway surface and estimated the wind was between 30 and 35 kts. He also indicated that downdraft conditions existed at the airport.

About 1/2 mile from the threshold of the runway, the pilot selected 20 degrees of flap, lowered the right wing, and began to maintain runway alignment by application of nearly all of the available rudder travel.

Go-Around Decision

About 25 feet above the ground, the pilot applied full power to counteract an increasing sink rate. The rudder was already deflected to full travel, and the pilot decided to go-around. He raised the nose of the airplane and retracted the flaps, first to a flap up position, and then to a 10 degree setting.

Runway Excursion

The airplane continued to descend and touched down to the left of the runway centerline, about 800 feet beyond the landing threshold. The surface of the runway was rutted from previously melted snow and ice. The airplane departed off the left edge of the runway, and the nose wheel dug into soft snow. The airplane then nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 1997 Cessna 207 accident near Teller, AK?

A Part 135 commuter flight with a pilot and 6 passengers touched down left of the runway centerline during a landing in estimated 30-35 kt winds and downdrafts. The airplane departed the runway and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 1997 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.