Stinson 108-8 N97438

Summary

On 25 June 2025 at about 21:30 local time, a Stinson 108-8 registered N97438 was involved in an accident near Alexander Creek, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 June 2025 at 21:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Alexander Creek, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Roy's Strip (None)

Coordinates

61.4211, -150.5858

Aircraft

Stinson 108-8

Registration

N97438

Category

Airplane

Year built

1946

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Birchwood → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC25LA058

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during final approach. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s encounter with a downdraft that led to a rapid loss of altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on final approach to a remote airstrip surrounded by trees, the airplane encountered a downdraft and began a rapid descent. He attempted to recover by increasing throttle and applying aft elevator input. However, the airplane impacted the ground at a flat, nose-level attitude and subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.