What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-30 involved a Cessna 207, registration N7384U, at Chevak, AK.

Air Taxi Cargo Flight Lands Short on Gravel Runway, Gear Damaged (N7384U)

On June 30, 2002, a Cessna 207 (registration N7384U) was involved in an aviation accident near Chevak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point resulting in an undershoot, and subsequent collision with gravel terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An airline transport certificated pilot landing a cargo flight on a gravel runway reported a downdraft during approach. The aircraft landed short, struck the runway lip, and sustained damage to the nose and main landing gear.

Incident Overview

An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting an air taxi cargo flight and landed on a gravel-surfaced runway. According to the pilot, who spoke with the director of operations, the aircraft encountered a downdraft during the landing approach. The airplane subsequently landed short of the runway threshold.

Damage Details

Airport personnel reported that the airplane collided with the lip of the runway. The impact tore off the nose landing gear assembly, and the left main landing gear folded aft.

Weather Conditions

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot indicated that the weather was clear with light turbulence. The reported wind was from 290 degrees at 8 to 10 knots.

Runway Characteristics

The remarks section of the FAA's Airport Facility Directory/Alaska Supplement notes that the "runway is trough shaped, low in center and high at both ends." It also includes a caution: "Strong crosswinds at this location."

2002-06-30: Cessna 207 (N7384U) — Chevak, AK