Casualties unknown

Pilot's Power Management During Final Approach Results in Collision Short of Runway (N7373U)

Kotlik, AK, US

On March 1, 2002, a Cessna 207A (registration N7373U) operated by Hageland Aviation Services Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kotlik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain the proper glide path to the runway during the final approach for a VFR 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

While on final approach, the pilot reduced engine power due to perceived high airspeed, then increased power when speed dropped, but the aircraft struck terrain short of the runway, damaging nose gear, propeller, and left wing.

Accident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a scheduled domestic passenger flight. During the final approach to a remote airport, the pilot reported that the airspeed seemed too fast at an altitude of about 300 feet above the ground. The aircraft was configured with 15 degrees of flaps and flying at approximately 80 knots. In response to the perceived high speed, the pilot reduced engine power.

Flight Sequence

After reducing power, the airspeed decreased to a point the pilot considered too slow. The pilot then increased engine power in an attempt to regain speed. However, the aircraft descended and collided with terrain short of the runway threshold. The runway at the airport measures 4,422 feet in length and 100 feet in width.

Damage

The collision resulted in damage to the nose gear, propeller, and left wing of the aircraft.

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.