Probable cause
The pilot's unstable approach and overrotation, which resulted in a tailstrike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a gravel runway. He said that a hill was located in the flight path to the runway, which required a steeper-than-normal approach. The pilot said he misjudged the wind and the rate of descent on final approach. He overrotated in the flare, and the airplane’s tail struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage. He said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA042 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcgrath, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Nixon Fork Mine (AK40)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 1900C
- N-number
- N111AX
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
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.