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Casualties unknown

Airplane Settles on Ground Following Engine Power Loss During Takeoff (N9933M)

Dillingham, AK, US

On November 16, 1999, a Cessna 207A (registration N9933M) operated by Yute Air Alaska, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to remove frost from the wings prior to flight, and the resulting inadvertent stall/mush. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, the airplane failed to climb above 30 feet, drifted left of the runway, and settled onto the ground. The pilot reported the engine lost power. Light frost was on the airplane. The engine was installed the day prior and had only ground operation. Post-accident fuel system tests were normal.

Accident Sequence

After departing the runway, the airplane did not climb above an altitude of 30 feet. It subsequently drifted to the left of the runway and settled onto the ground.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot reported that the engine "missed, quivered, and lost power." He also stated that light frost was present on the airplane, but indicated that other small airplanes had departed with similar frost without any problems.

Engine Installation and Testing

The engine had been installed on the airplane one day prior to the accident. Prior to the accident flight, it had been operated on the ground only. Following the accident, an undamaged propeller was fitted, and the engine was run at 1,000 rpm for four minutes. The engine-driven fuel pump, fuel controller, and fuel distributor and nozzles were examined. Testing revealed that all these components produced fuel flows and pressures within the normal range specified by the manufacturer.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Nov 1999 Cessna 207A accident near Dillingham, AK?

After takeoff, the airplane failed to climb above 30 feet, drifted left of the runway, and settled onto the ground. The pilot reported the engine lost power. Light frost was on the airplane. The engine was installed the day prior and had only ground operation. Post-accident fuel system tests were normal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Nov 1999 involved a Cessna 207A, registration N9933M, operated by Yute Air Alaska, Inc., at Dillingham, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the pilot to remove frost from the wings prior to flight, and the resulting inadvertent stall/mush.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20064. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.