No fatalities

Pilot Reports Landing on Muddy Runway After Go-Around Results in Wing Damage

Gustavus, AK, United States

On August 14, 2014, a CESSNA 182A A operated by HILWIG KARA was involved in an aviation accident near Gustavus, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's unstable landing approach which resulted in a long landing, and subsequent collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot executed a go-around due to reduced visibility, then landed long on a subsequent approach, encountering muddy runway conditions that caused a slide and left wing impact.

Narrative

The pilot reported that during the initial approach for landing, she observed a region of reduced visibility on the approach path and decided to perform a go-around. On her subsequent approach, she flew at a higher altitude, overflying the area of obscuration. This resulted in a steeper-than-normal descent angle and a longer landing distance.

After touchdown, the pilot applied the main wheel brakes. However, the airplane began to slide on the runway's muddy surface. As the airplane neared the runway end, the pilot initiated a slight left turn. During this turn, the left main wheel dug into the mud, causing the left wing to collide with brush adjacent to the runway. The airplane then nosed down.

Damage

The wings sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with brush and the subsequent nose-down motion.

Pilot's Comments

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident could have been avoided if she had initiated a go-around prior to touchdown, delayed the approach until the reduced visibility area on the approach end of the runway dissipated, or anticipated the muddy runway conditions.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome