No fatalities

CHAMPION 7GCBC accident at Sutton, AK, 31 Aug 2025

Sutton, AK, United States

On August 31, 2025, a CHAMPION 7GCBC was involved in an aviation accident near Sutton, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a forced landing and 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

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Capability exceededEffect on operationPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 2025 CHAMPION 7GCBC accident near Sutton, AK?

The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Aug 2025 CHAMPION 7GCBC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 2025 involved a CHAMPION 7GCBC, at Sutton, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain.