N2615S

On February 25, 1997, about 1620 Alaska standard time, a Cessna 337C, N2615S, collided with terrain while in cruise flight about 5 miles southeast of Golovin, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country business flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the Missionary Aviation Repair Center, Soldotna, Alaska, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. A VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Unalakleet, Alaska, about 1545.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on February 27, 1997, at 0910, the pilot reported he was flying about 100 feet above the ground to stay below an indefinite ceiling. Visibility was about 6 miles, but flat light conditions prevailed. The pilot was flying over the Golovin Bay area near Cape Darby, and while in cruise flight, suddenly collided with an unknown object. The pilot continued to Golovin and landed at 1630. An inspection of the airplane revealed that the front engine propellers were bent aft about 14 inches. The blades struck the nose gear support structure. The right step was torn from the airplane and produced about a 12 inch gouge in the fuselage.

After landing, the pilot was informed by residents of Golovin that a large ice pressure ridge had formed in the Golovin Bay. The ice ridge, as reported to the pilot, was estimated at 35 to 40 feet high.