Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapse on Soft Airstrip Damages Airplane (N710WS)

Telida, AK, US

On June 9, 2003, a Cessna 402B (registration N710WS) was involved in an aviation accident near Telida, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear collapsed after encountering soft terrain during the landing roll. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A tricycle-gear airplane sustained structural damage when its nose landing gear collapsed after encountering soft terrain during landing on a remote gravel and dirt airstrip.

Incident Overview

An airline transport pilot was landing a tricycle-gear airplane on a remote gravel and dirt airstrip. During the landing roll, the nose wheel landing gear encountered soft terrain, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The structural integrity of the fuselage was compromised as a result.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the landing surface was softer than anticipated. The incident was attributed to the unexpectedly soft conditions.

Airstrip Information

The FAA Alaska Supplement and Airport Directory includes specific remarks for the airstrip: It is unattended, runway conditions are not monitored, and a visual inspection prior to landing is recommended. Additionally, runway 02-20 is noted as soft in spring, with an irregular and rutted surface.

Aircraft Damage

The collapse of the nose gear resulted in structural damage to the fuselage. No further details on the extent of the damage were provided.

Probable cause

The nose landing gear collapsed after encountering soft terrain during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030702X01003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.