Casualties unknown

Nose Wheel Strikes Soft Sand During Beach Landing, Damaging Firewall (N27MR)

Egegik, AK, US

On June 18, 2007, a Britten-norman BN2A26 (registration N27MR) operated by Island Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Egegik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in structural damage during the landing roll when the airplane encountered soft sand. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airline transport pilot landing on a beach with six passengers reported the nose wheel encountered soft sand during the landing roll, deflecting sideways and causing structural damage to the firewall bulkhead. No preaccident mechanical issues were noted.

Incident Details

On an unspecified date, an airline transport certificated pilot was conducting a Title 14, CFR Part 135 on-demand flight carrying six passengers. The pilot reported that he was landing on a beach at the conclusion of the flight. During the landing roll, the nose wheel encountered soft sand, which caused the wheel to deflect sideways. This resulted in structural damage to the firewall bulkhead of the airplane.

Pilot Statement

In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge the day after the accident, the pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. He described the landing as uneventful until the nose wheel sunk into the sand.

Damage Assessment

The structural damage was limited to the firewall bulkhead. No other details about the extent of damage or repair were provided in the initial report.

No injuries were reported, and the airplane was not specified as being destroyed or substantially damaged beyond the firewall issue.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070702X00851. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.