On 24 May 2012, a BEECH 1900C operated by Alaska Central Express Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near McGrath, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the wind and rate of descent, over-rotated in the flare, and struck the tail. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot misjudged wind and descent rate during landing on a gravel runway, over-rotated in the flare, and struck the tail, causing substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage.
Accident Overview
A twin turboprop airplane was landing on a gravel runway. The normal glide path to the runway is obstructed by a hill, which requires a steeper than normal approach. During the landing, the pilot over-rotated in the flare, causing the tail to strike the runway surface. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he misjudged the wind conditions and the rate of descent on final approach. He stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot did not specify any other contributing factors.
Damage
The tail strike caused substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage of the airplane. No other damage was reported.
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged the wind and rate of descent, over-rotated in the flare, and struck the tail.
Contributing factors
PilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained