NTSB Factual Report

On April 7, 2003, about 0845 mountain daylight time, a Cessna TU206 G, N756WZ, sustained substantial damage subsequent to a nose over at Pistol Creek, a remote airstrip approximately 40 miles east of McCall, Idaho. The airplane is owned by SP Aviation of Boise, Idaho, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cargo flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 135. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was in effect for the cross-country flight that originated from Boise, Idaho.

According to the operator, the airplane was on short final when a vehicle pulled onto the runway in front of where the pilot intended to land. The pilot added power and climbed to an altitude that allowed him to clear the obstacle. After clearing the vehicle, the pilot reconfigured the airplane and initiated a second approach and landing in an area beyond the intended runway. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down in a rocky area and adjoining ditch at the end of the runway and nosed over.

The operator of the aircraft reported that a full go-around was not possible due to the mountainous terrain surrounding the airstrip.

At the time of the accident, the first half of the 2,500-feet private runway was closed due to construction. The operator reported that the remaining section of runway was open for commercial operators.

NTSB Probable Cause

Inadequate visual lookout by the driver of the vehicle that turned on to the runway. Factors include rising terrain decreasing the possibility of a successful go-around and rough uneven terrain beyond the departure end of the runway.