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Positioning Flight Ends with Wing and Landing Gear Damage After Gust Encounter (N9588B)

Anchor Point, AK, US

On July 24, 2006, a Cessna 180 (registration N9588B) operated by Smith Air Charters was involved in an aviation accident near Anchor Point, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with high brush during the landing flare. A factor contributing to the accident was wind gusts. 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 on a positioning flight experienced a tailwind and downdrafts near a remote landing area. During landing flare, a gust pushed the aircraft left, causing the left wing to collide with high brush and resulting in structural damage.

The Flight

During a positioning flight conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 91, a commercial certificated pilot was en route to a remote landing area. The pilot reported noticing a tailwind of about 30 knots from the north.

Landing Attempt

At the area of landing, other pilots reported downdrafts in an area of beach close to the water, which was the pilot's initial intended landing zone. The pilot decided to land instead on an area of inner beach that was approximately 800 feet long and 60 feet wide.

Damage

During the landing flare, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The left wing collided with high brush, spinning the airplane to the left. The airplane received structural damage to both wings and the right main landing gear.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 2006 Cessna 180 accident near Anchor Point, AK?

A commercial pilot on a positioning flight experienced a tailwind and downdrafts near a remote landing area. During landing flare, a gust pushed the aircraft left, causing the left wing to collide with high brush and resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 2006 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 2006 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9588B, operated by Smith Air Charters, at Anchor Point, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with high brush during the landing flare. A factor contributing to the accident was wind gusts.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060817X01194. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.