N206J

On September 5, 2003, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 206 airplane, N206J, sustained substantial damage when the main landing gear collapsed during an aborted takeoff from a remote off-airport site, about 15 miles southwest of Barter Island, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by MAA, Inc., doing business as Alaska Flyers as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the three passengers, were not injured. According to the pilot, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was en route to Barter Island.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 5, at 1615, the pilot reported that just after lift-off from the wet and mud-covered site, the left wing stalled, and the airplane settled to the ground. The pilot said that he realized after touchdown he would be unable to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the site, and elected to make a hard turn to the left in an attempt to ground loop the airplane. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. During the conversation, the pilot reported weather conditions at the time of the accident were, in part: Wind, calm; visibility, 3 to 4 miles with light snow; temperature, 33 degrees F.

According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, dated October 3, 2003, the pilot wrote, in part: "It is believed that we lost a cylinder, will confirm when able to do a test." Additionally, the pilot reported that weather conditions at the time of the accident were, in part: Wind, calm; visibility, greater than 10 miles with haze; sky condition and ceiling, 1,500 feet overcast; temperature, 45 degrees F.

On January 14, 2004, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector, Fairbanks, Alaska Flight Standards District Office, examined the accident airplane and engine after it was transported to North Pole, Alaska. The FAA inspector reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane or engine.