Probable cause
The pilot's failure to identify the runway, resulting in the airplane touching down a few feet to the right of the runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he aligned the airplane on final approach with what "appeared" to be the runway with a small snow berm on both the left and right sides.
The pilot further reported that the left main landing gear touched down first, and then the airplane came to an "abrupt" stop a few feet to the right of the runway.
A postaccident examination of the airframe reviled substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA109 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 15, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hooper Bay, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Hooper Bay (HPB)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna CE-208
- N-number
- N104AN
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.