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Pilot Loses Radio Contact After Flying into Box Canyon (N6479H)

Kotzebue-Ralph Wien Memorial, United States of AmericaFlight

On February 25, 1995, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N6479H) operated by Yute Air Alaska was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue-Ralph Wien Memorial, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to enter a box canyon area at an altitude inadequate to maintain terrain clearance. The pilot's lack of mountain flying experience was a factor in this accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A company pilot reported radio transmissions breaking up after stating he was behind a ridge and looking for wolves. The aircraft was later found on the southwest side of a box canyon, 100 feet below the ridge top.

Incident Overview

Approximately 10 minutes after departure, a pilot was contacted by another company pilot flying in the opposite direction. During the conversation, the pilot stated that he was "looking for wolves." Shortly thereafter, the company pilot informed the pilot that his radio transmissions were breaking up. The pilot replied that it was likely because he was "behind a ridge."

Loss of Communication

The company pilot temporarily left the frequency; upon returning, he was unable to establish contact with the pilot. The aircraft was later located on the southwest side of a box canyon, approximately 100 feet below the top of the ridge.

Route Deviation

The normal course line for the route typically flown by company pilots is 6 miles away from the accident location. The pilot had no prior experience in mountain flying.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to enter a box canyon area at an altitude inadequate to maintain terrain clearance. The pilot's lack of mountain flying experience was a factor in this accident.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 1995 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident near Kotzebue-Ralph Wien Memorial, United States of America?

A company pilot reported radio transmissions breaking up after stating he was behind a ridge and looking for wolves. The aircraft was later found on the southwest side of a box canyon, 100 feet below the ridge top.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 1995 Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 1995 involved a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair, registration N6479H, operated by Yute Air Alaska, at Kotzebue-Ralph Wien Memorial, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to enter a box canyon area at an altitude inadequate to maintain terrain clearance. The pilot's lack of mountain flying experience was a factor in this accident.

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