Probable cause
The pilot’s unstabilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight crew, the instrument approach was flown above the glideslope in anticipation of mechanical turbulence. As the airplane descended through 500 ft, the pilot monitoring notified the pilot flying that the airplane was high on the approach. The airplane continued the approach above the glideslope, and the landing flare was conducted too high, which resulted in an excessive sink rate. The pilot flying attempted to arrest the sink rate but was unable to do so, and the airplane landed harder than expected, which resulted in a tail strike and substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19CA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 3, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gambell, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Gambell (GAM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 1900
- N-number
- N575Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1991
- 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.