No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Snowbank and Noses Over During Landing (N1729U)

Port Graham, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 21, 1982, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N1729U) operated by Cook Inlet Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Port Graham, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In flight collision with terrain on landing - flare/touchdown due to improper compensation for wind conditions on part of the pilot. The following findings were reported: - Unfavorable wind, - Windshear, - Snowbank. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During a base-to-final turn, a pilot encountered windshear and a high sink rate. The right main landing gear struck a snowbank, causing the aircraft to nose over after traveling 75-80 feet.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during a base-to-final turn, the aircraft was blown slightly off the runway centerline. A windshear effect from a nearby bluff was encountered. As the aircraft drifted to the right, it developed a high sink rate. The pilot added power in response.

Sequence of Events

The right main landing gear struck a snowbank at the edge of the runway. The aircraft continued in a relatively straight line for approximately 75 to 80 feet before nosing over.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was an in-flight collision with terrain during landing flare/touchdown due to improper compensation for wind conditions by the pilot. Contributing findings included unfavorable wind, windshear, and a snowbank.