Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Landing at Remote Mining Airstrip (N731UW)

Bettles, AK, US

On August 8, 1999, a Cessna A188-B (registration N731UW) operated by William H. Michel was involved in an aviation accident near Bettles, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was soft 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

A commercial pilot landing at a remote mining airstrip to repair soft ground experienced a ground loop after the left main tire entered the soft area, damaging the right wing and stabilizer.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a landing at a remote mining airstrip. The purpose of the flight was to repair an area of soft ground on the strip. According to the pilot, rain was falling at the time of the landing.

Airstrip Details

The airstrip measures approximately 1,000 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Its elevation is 1,120 feet above mean sea level.

Landing and Ground Loop

During the landing roll after touchdown, the left main tire entered the area of soft ground. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the left.

Damage

As a result of the ground loop, the aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, the right horizontal stabilizer, and the right elevator.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19399. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.