Accident Overview
On June 2, 2024, at about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 207A airplane, registration N9651M, was substantially damaged in an accident near Bethel, Alaska. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by Grant Aviation as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight, transporting cargo and mail from Bethel Airport (BET) to Kwigillingok, Alaska (GVV).
Pilot Actions and Aircraft Performance
The pilot reported that during taxi to the runway, he verified the fuel selector on the right tank, engine cowl flaps open, wing flaps extended to 10°, and mixture rich. He elected to perform a short-field takeoff, and the initial phase was normal. The airplane lifted off at about 64 knots. The pilot flew in ground effect to build airspeed to 75 knots, then pitched up to climb. The climb rate was approximately 500 to 600 feet per minute. At about 200 feet mean sea level, the pilot felt the airplane "sink" and noticed the wing flaps moving up in his peripheral vision. Airspeed began decreasing; the pilot pushed the nose down to regain airspeed but was too low to arrest the descent. The airplane then landed hard on the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The airplane was about 70 pounds under its maximum gross weight.
Manufacturer's Procedures
According to the Cessna 207A Pilot’s Operating Handbook, the short-field takeoff procedure requires 10° of flaps, a minimum climb speed of 73 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), and retraction of flaps only when speed exceeds 80 KIAS. Normal takeoff uses a climb speed of 80 to 90 KIAS.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that power to the flap system was damaged during the impact. Before applying electrical power, a full visual inspection of the flap control assembly showed it was undamaged. The follow-up control, cam, flaps down and up operating switches were undamaged and in good condition. The wing flaps were retracted, and the flap position indicator was consistent with the fully retracted position. Using a multimeter, each flap operating switch was tested and determined to be in good operating condition. Due to electrical system damage, a battery was connected directly to the flap system for testing. An operational check per the Cessna 207 series service manual showed no abnormalities and the flaps functioned normally.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved the premature retraction of wing flaps during a short-field takeoff, leading to a loss of airspeed and a hard landing. No probable cause has been stated by the investigation.