N49JT

On August 2, 1999, about 2000 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N49JT, sustained substantial damage while landing at a remote beach site, located about 18 miles southwest of Sand Point, Alaska, at 55.13 north latitude, 160.50 west longitude. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot, and the sole passenger aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated about 1945 from Unga Village, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on August 12, the pilot reported he was landing on a gravel-covered beach. He stated that during the initial touchdown, the left main wheel struck a large rock, and the airplane veered to the left. He said that he was able to correct for the veer, and brought the airplane to a stop. A postlanding inspection revealed substantial damage to the fuselage at the left main landing gear attach point, and the left door post assembly. The pilot said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.