Casualties unknown

Tundra-Tire-Equipped Aircraft Damaged in Landing Short of Airstrip (N1078F)

Skwentna, AK, US

On June 30, 2002, a Cessna 185 (registration N1078F) operated by Richard C. Lathrop was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point resulting in an undershoot, and an in-flight collision with a log during the landing flare. A contributing factor in the accident was a hidden obstruction. 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

A commercial pilot landing a tundra-tire-equipped airplane at a remote lodge airstrip struck a hidden stump short of the threshold, tearing off the right main landing gear and damaging the right wing.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane at a dirt airstrip located next to a remote lodge. The airstrip measures approximately 1,200 feet in length and 20 feet in width, oriented north/south. The pilot reported landing toward the north.

Landing and Impact

During the landing approach, the airplane touched down about two feet short of the airstrip threshold. The right main landing gear struck a log stump that was concealed by bushes just short of the threshold. The impact tore the right main gear from the airplane. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground.

Aircraft and Airstrip Details

The airplane was equipped with tundra tires. No further details about the aircraft model, registration, or operator were provided in the source. The airstrip surface was dirt, with the stump hidden by vegetation near the threshold.

Aftermath

The accident resulted in damage to the right main landing gear and the right wing. The source did not specify any injuries or additional damage beyond the described impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jun 2002 Cessna 185 accident near Skwentna, AK?

A commercial pilot landing a tundra-tire-equipped airplane at a remote lodge airstrip struck a hidden stump short of the threshold, tearing off the right main landing gear and damaging the right wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jun 2002 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1078F, operated by Richard C. Lathrop, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point resulting in an undershoot, and an in-flight collision with a log during the landing flare. A contributing factor in the accident was a hidden obstruction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020712X01116. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.