Casualties unknown

2003-09-05: Cessna 206 (N206J) — Kaktovik, AK

Kaktovik, AK, US

On September 5, 2003, a Cessna 206 (registration N206J) was involved in an aviation accident near Kaktovik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a loss of control during initial climb. Factors associated with the accident were wet and muddy runway conditions, and the pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airline transport pilot and three passengers departed a wet, mud-covered off-airport site on a Part 135 charter flight. After lift-off, the left wing stalled, and the airplane settled back. During a ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing substantial damage.

Accident Sequence

On an unspecified date, an airline transport certificated pilot, accompanied by three passengers, initiated a departure from a wet and mud-covered off-airport site. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 as an on-demand charter. According to the pilot, immediately after lift-off, the left wing stalled, causing the airplane to settle back to the ground.

After touchdown, the pilot determined that he would be unable to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the site. He elected to make a hard left turn in an attempt to ground loop the aircraft. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot wrote, in part: "It is believed that we lost a cylinder, will confirm when able to do a test."

Post-Accident Examination

On January 14, 2004, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector examined the accident airplane and engine after the airplane had been recovered from the accident site. The FAA inspector reported that he did not discover any preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031008X01677. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.