Accident Details
On April 28, 2025, at approximately 1355 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna T207 airplane, registration N91025, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Nanwalek, Alaska. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated by Smokey Bay Air as flight 213, a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 scheduled commuter air carrier flight.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Homer Airport, Homer, Alaska, en route to Nanwalek Airport, Nanwalek, with 40 gallons of aviation fuel, 271 lbs of passenger baggage, and 257 lbs of U.S. mail on board. Archived FAA ADS-B data shows the airplane departing Homer, crossing Kachemak Bay, and following the coastline before approaching Runway 19 at Nanwalek from the north. As the airplane approached the airport, it momentarily sidestepped to the right of the runway centerline, then made a left turn once parallel with the approach end of Runway 19. The last ADS-B data point showed the airplane at about 100 ft above ground level. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane approaching Runway 19 from over the village. They then observed the airplane increase throttle and enter a steep left bank near the north end of the airport before losing control and spiraling to the ground. Some witnesses noted a dog on the runway during the final approach.
Witness Accounts
A pilot flying a second Smokey Bay Air airplane a few miles behind the accident aircraft heard the accident pilot radio, “I’m going around, there’s something on the runway,” just before the accident. The surviving passenger, interviewed at an Anchorage hospital, stated that the airplane was offset to the right of the runway centerline on final approach, then entered a sharp, steeper-than-normal left bank, lost control, and rapidly spiraled down.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane came to rest on a beach about 350 ft northwest of the approach end of Runway 19. First responders moved the wreckage to higher ground to prevent submersion by the rising tide. The left wing was separated from the fuselage, held only by control cables, and rotated forward. The right wing showed spanwise deformation beyond the lift strut, consistent with impact damage. Both the aft fuselage (forward of the empennage) and the nose section (forward of the cockpit) exhibited damage consistent with rotational forces on impact. No preimpact anomalies were visually observed with the flight control system. The flap selector was found in the full down position, and the three propeller blades showed rotational signatures. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.