Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate icing, which resulted in structural icing and an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying in visual meteorological conditions for most of the flight. As he approached the airport, he inadvertently entered an area of instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in a buildup of ice on the airframe and windscreen. He attempted to make a 180-degree turn to exit the conditions but was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed for flight, and the airplane descended and collided with terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA016 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 21, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kwigillingok, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Kwigillingok (PAGG)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 207A
- N-number
- N6480H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.