AKIACHAK, AK, USA
N9829M
CESSNA 207
THE PILOT WAS LANDING A WHEEL EQUIPPED AIRPLANE AT A REMOTE AIRPORT AS PART OF A SCHEDULED CHARTER FLIGHT WITH TWO PASSENGERS. THE PILOT HAD LANDED AT THE AIRPORT EARLIER IN THE DAY AND WAS AWARE THAT THE RUNWAY SURFACE WAS COVERED WITH SNOW AND ICE. WHEN THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN, THE AIRPLANE WEATHERVANED TO THE LEFT INTO AN 18 KNOT CROSSWIND. THE PILOT'S INPUT OF RUDDER AND NOSE WHEEL STEERING HAD NO EFFECT. THE AIRPLANE SLID OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A SNOW BANK.
On November 18, 1994, at 1730 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna model 207 airplane, N9829M, operated by Ryan Air Service, Inc., overran the end of runway 29 at Akiakchak, Alaska and collided with terrain. The commercial certificated pilot-in-command and his two revenue passengers, the sole occupants, were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 135 scheduled flight last departed Akiak, Alaska at 1722 and the destination was Akiakchak. The pilot reported that visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was on a company VFR flight plan. On the morning of November 22, 1994, the NTSB investigator- in-charge interviewed the pilot at the NTSB's Northwest Field Office. The pilot said that he had been into the airport earlier in the day and knew that the runway was snow covered and very icy. The two flights were nearly identical with the exception being that the earlier approach and landing were performed in a nearly calm wind. On the flight in question, he made the approach/landing with the wind sock indicating a direct crosswind from the left of about 18 knots. The plane touched down within 75 feet of the approach end of the runway with full flaps and the stall horn blaring. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to weathervane to the left into the wind. The input of rudder and nose wheel steering had no noticeable affect in aligning the nose of the airplane with the centerline of the runway. The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway and down a 20 degree embankment with resultant damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The airport/facility directory indicated in part: "Airport unattended - Caution; runway condition not monitored, recommend visual inspection prior to using."
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR CROSSWIND. CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND AN ICY RUNWAY SURFACE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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