Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath to the runway, which resulted in a runway undershoot and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was returning to the airport after releasing five skydivers. During short final approach to the 1,800-ft-long runway, in a gusty headwind, the airplane touched down just prior to the runway and the landing gear struck an embankment. The nosegear separated and the airplane skid onto and off the right side of the runway. It subsequently came to rest upright in a grass area off the right side of the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the lower and right fuselage. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the pilot report any.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA168 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ellington, Connecticut
- Nearest airport
- Ellington Airport (7B9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 208
- N-number
- N90JF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1985
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Skydiving
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.