No fatalities

Pilot Reports Rapid Sink During Approach, Aircraft Touches Down Short and Inverts (N9138M)

Skwentna, AK, US

On August 21, 2005, a Cessna U206E (registration N9138M) was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude on final approach, which resulted in a noseover following an undershoot and in-flight collision with rough/uneven terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the rough/uneven terrain. 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 reported that the airplane began to sink rapidly on final approach to a remote airstrip. Despite adding power, the aircraft touched down short, struck a stump, and inverted, resulting in structural damage.

Accident Details

A commercial pilot was conducting a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand passenger flight to a remote dirt airstrip located at a lodge. During the final approach, the pilot reported that the airplane began to sink rapidly. He added power, but the aircraft touched down short of the runway, collided with a stump, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. However, he felt that the throttle may not have responded appropriately when he added power to arrest the descent rate. After deplaning the passengers, the pilot returned to the airplane and checked the throttle, which appeared to function normally.

Post-Accident Inspection

No further details were provided regarding the condition of the airplane or the runway. The pilot did not report any injuries among the occupants.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 2005 Cessna U206E accident near Skwentna, AK?

A commercial pilot reported that the airplane began to sink rapidly on final approach to a remote airstrip. Despite adding power, the aircraft touched down short, struck a stump, and inverted, resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 2005 Cessna U206E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 2005 involved a Cessna U206E, registration N9138M, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude on final approach, which resulted in a noseover following an undershoot and in-flight collision with rough/uneven terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the rough/uneven terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050902X01374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.