Cessna 172N N5246D

Summary

On 7 February 2009 at about 13:45 local time, a Cessna 172N registered N5246D, operated by JP Air, was involved in an accident near Atmautluak, Alaska, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 February 2009 at 13:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Atmautluak, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Atmautulak

Coordinates

60.8669, -162.2731

Aircraft

Cessna 172N

Registration

N5246D

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

JP Air

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bethel → Atmautluak

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC09LA018

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while landing in gusty winds, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; his improper aircraft weight calculations; and his operation of the airplane over the allowable gross weight limit.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was on an on-demand air taxi flight with three passengers and their baggage. He stated that he was approaching a remote airport to land on Runway 15 when the wind shifted and he encountered wind gusts that made the airplane difficult to control. He said that he added full power to go around, but that the airplane would not climb, stalled, and then descended to the ground short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors found no mechanical problems with the airplane and determined that it was being operated at least 166 pounds over the maximum gross weight limit. Operating an airplane over the certificated gross weight is prohibited and markedly reduces its performance capabilities.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.