N8424QCessna TU206F · 1976

On June 23, 2015 about 1130 mountain daylight time, a Cessna TU206F, N8424Q, impacted trees while attempting to land at Schafer USFS Airport (8U2) in Schafer Meadows, Montana. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries, and the two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage throughout. The airplane was registered to Bear Hollow Aviation LLC and operated by Red Eagle Aviation under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that operated on a company visual flight rules flight plan.

The pilot reported that the air was turbulent during the approach. The airport's wind sock indicated variable wind from the west, with the wind shifting directions and gusts to full wind sock. During the final approach, the airplane experienced an extreme downdraft and the airplane touched down about midfield. The airplane was rolling down the runway when the wind shifted to a tailwind; the airplane lifted off of the runway with a yaw to the left. The airplane settled back onto the runway and the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane did not slow down. The airplane exited the end of the runway and came to rest in the trees.

A witness reported seeing the airplane on short final flying faster than he saw over the previous days. The airplane landed about midfield in a 3-point configuration, and the airplane bounced about four times. After the final bounce, the airplane appeared to be veering left to right. The airplane exited the runway and rolled out of sight.

During a post-accident examination of the airframe and engine there were no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was removed from the airframe, and there was no evidence of catastrophic failure. Both of the magnetos remained attached to the engine; and the ignition harness was secured. The spark plugs were removed and displayed normal operating and combustion signatures. The inside of the cylinders were inspected and normal signatures were noted on the cylinder bores, piston faces, and valve heads. The propeller remained attached to the engine, and all three blades remained attached in the hub. Two blades were bent aft and the third blade was undamaged. When the propeller was rotated by hand the drive train rotated freely; thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders, and spark was observed on all ignition leads. The fuel pump was removed and rotated by hand; it operated normally and residual fuel was pumped out of the fuel pump. The fuel manifold valve and fuel metering unit were examined and no anomalies were noted. All fuel screens and nozzles were examined and were clear of debris. The oil filter was removed from the engine and the filter was clear of debris. The turbocharger system was examined and no anomalies were noted.

A weather study revealed that the wind was around 10 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, and the wind direction was shifting in the mountainous terrain. The cumulus clouds were around the mountains and accident site.