Probable cause
The pilot's improper identification of the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the snow covering the runway lights.
NTSB analysis
During a night landing, the pilot misidentified the runway surface and landed the airplane in a snowbank on the left side of the runway. He stated that most of the runway lights had been covered by heavy snow and were not clearly visible when the airplane was on the straight-in approach. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA019 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nikiski, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Mcgahan Industrial (AK73)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 207A
- N-number
- N800DF
- 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.