Probable cause
The pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare at an unpublished dirt airstrip, he entered a "low level [aerodynamic] stall." He further reported that due to the aerodynamic stall, and a "small rise" on the runway, the airplane touched down hard. During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the fuel "belly tank" installed under the fuselage separated from the airplane and the fuselage sustained substantial damaged.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA455 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sleetmute, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Alaska Adventures Airstrip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna U206
- N-number
- N8076Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.