N1549U

On July 12, 2000, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N1549U, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at the New Kotlik Airport, Kotlik, Alaska. The flight was being conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 135 as an on-demand cargo flight, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Larry's Flying Service, Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was in effect. The flight originated at the Emmonak Airport, Emmonak, Alaska, about 1230.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on July 13, and in her NTSB Pilot/Operator report, the pilot reported she misjudged the landing, and landed hard in a nose low attitude. She said the nose wheel hit first, then the airplane rocked back and the main wheels and tail cone contacted the runway surface. The tail cone and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot estimated there was 1,000 pounds of cargo, and the fuel tanks were about 1/2 full. She indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.