Aircraft collision with terrain during approach at remote airport

Casualties unknown • Kotlik, AK, US

A commercial pilot experienced airspeed fluctuations while on final approach, leading to a collision with terrain short of the runway threshold.

What happened

During a scheduled domestic passenger flight, a commercial certificated pilot was executing a final approach for landing at a remote airport. The aircraft was flying approximately 300 feet above the ground with 15 degrees of flaps extended and an airspeed of roughly 80 knots.

While on approach, the pilot noted that the airspeed appeared too high and subsequently reduced engine power. This reduction caused the airspeed to become too low. In an attempt to correct the speed, the pilot increased engine power; however, the Cessna (type not specified in source) collided with terrain before reaching the runway threshold.

The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear, propeller, and left wing. The runway involved in the incident measures 4,422 feet in length and 100 feet in width. There were no fatalities or injuries reported in the provided documentation.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempts to manage airspeed by fluctuating engine power resulted in the aircraft colliding with terrain short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-03-01 Cessna 207A accident near Kotlik, AK?

A commercial pilot experienced airspeed fluctuations while on final approach, leading to a collision with terrain short of the runway threshold.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-03-01 involved a Cessna 207A, registration N7373U, operated by Hageland Aviation Services Inc., at Kotlik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempts to manage airspeed by fluctuating engine power resulted in the aircraft colliding with terrain short of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020320X00370. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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