# NTSB ANC96LA012: Cessna 207, N88BC, Toksook Bay, AK, November 3, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 3, 1995, 16:47 local (20:47 UTC) - Place: Toksook Bay, AK - Coordinates: 60.539539, -165.139663 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.5395&lon=-165.1397&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 7 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 18, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 2786 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC96LA012 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2786/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA012 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate planning/decision, improper use of the flaps, and inadequate removal of snow/frost from the wings of the airplane. An upsloping runway and snow conditions were factors in the accident. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb - terrain condition - uphill (contributing factor) - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - flaps - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - snow (contributing factor) - ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The certificated commercial pilot and six passengers were departing a remote airstrip on a scheduled commuter flight. Snow showers were present in the area. The pilot loaded the passengers and waited on the ground for conditions to improve. Prior to departure, the pilot removed snow from the windshield and the leading edge of the wing. After a ground time of about 40 minutes, the pilot began a takeoff on a runway that sloped uphill about 2 percent. The airplane did not become airborne until the pilot added full flaps. The airplane lifted off but could not climb out of ground effect. A small hill was ahead of the pilot and she began to retract the flaps. The airplane collided with rising terrain about 1/4 mile north of the departure end of the runway. A pilot/witness indicated that after the accident, he walked to the accident site and observed snow on the upper surface of the wings. ## Factual narrative On November 3, 1995, about 1647 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207, N88BC, collided with terrain during takeoff at Toksook Bay, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as flight number 1216 on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country scheduled passenger flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Mark Air Express, Anchorage, Alaska, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot and 6 passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The operator reported that the pilot was departing runway 33 for a flight to Bethel, Alaska. The pilot and other pilot witnesses reported that snow showers were present in the area. The pilot arrived at Toksook Bay about 1609. She loaded the passengers and waited on the ground for conditions to improve. The pilot indicated that prior to departure, she removed snow from the windshield and the leading edge of the wing. During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not become airborne until the pilot added full flaps. The airplane lifted off but could not climb out of ground effect. A small hill was ahead of the pilot and she began to retract the flaps. The airplane collided with rising terrain about 1/4 mile north of the departure end of the runway. The airplane received damage to the left main landing gear, left wing, nose gear and propeller. A pilot/witness indicated that after the accident, he walked to the accident site and observed snow on the upper surface of the wings. The Alaska airport/facility directory supplement indicates in part:..."Runway uneven grade, deep dip 800 feet from threshold of runway 33. Runway 15-33 slopes down 2 percent to the south end"... ## Aircraft - Registration: N88BC (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 207 - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20700748 - Airframe hours: 12884 - Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Registered owner: Mark Air Express - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: OOK - Destination: BET, BETHEL, AK - Flight plan: Company VFR - Airport: OOK, Toksook Bay, runway 33, 1,800 × 55 ft, gravel ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 27; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,732 total, 43 in this make and model, 1,593 as pilot in command, 119 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: calm - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft broken ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19951103035889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951103035889A), Nov 3, 1995: Cessna 207, Toksook Bay, AK, Substantial damage. Unable to climb out ground effect. Put on full flaps then dumped them. Struck rising terrain. Snow on wings also. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.