Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during approach, which resulted in the airplane impacting an area of deep snow. A factor associated with the accident was flat light conditions.
NTSB analysis
In her written statement the pilot reported that while landing at a remote snow-covered airstrip, she inadvertently touched down about 20 ft short, and into an area of deep powder snow. The airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. Additionally, the pilot noted that flat light conditions made it very difficult to discern any topographical features of the airstrip and snow-covered terrain.
The pilot did not submit a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA029 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 3, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sterling, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Dutch Landing Strip (88AK)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GCAA
- N-number
- N9632S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.