Probable cause
The pilot’s delayed go-around decision with insufficient runway remaining.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a landing attempt on a 975 ft long remote airstrip, he realized that the airplane was going too fast, so he decided to perform a go-around. During the go around attempt, there was not sufficient runway remaining and the airplane went over the end of a cliff, impacting terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA073 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 10, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beluga, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Capps Creek (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N124UA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.