N414UJ

On May 29, 1998, about 1800 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna U206 airplane, N414UJ, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees while on approach to the Gold King airstrip, located about 38 miles southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed Fairbanks about 1800, and the destination was the Gold King airstrip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on May 31, the pilot related he and a friend were flying to his cabin located near the Gold King airstrip. He said he thought the winds were fairly calm as he approached to land to the west. While on final approach, he said the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour from the southeast, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot said the airplane was damaged so severely that it may not be repairable. He indicated there was no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.

The pilot submitted a written report to the NTSB dated June 19. In his written report, the pilot indicated the winds were variable, with a windshear component of plus 15 to minus 25 knots (indicated airspeed) about 20 feet above the ground. He said he applied full power, and attempted to go-around, but the airplane rapidly lost airspeed and altitude, and was pushed to the left and into trees.