Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to attain proper flare during landing resulting in a hard landing short of the runway threshold. Contributing to the accident were gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot maneuvered the airplane onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern; he reduced the power to slow the airplane and encountered a significant downdraft or windshear. The airplane impacted the ground about 150 feet short of the runway threshold. The nose and left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing contacted a snow berm which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC26LA010 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 16, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Merrill Field (MRI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 65-A90-1
- N-number
- N918MR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
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.