Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR19LA094

Montague, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N5849C

Cessna 402

Analysis

While on final approach to the runway, the pilot extended full flaps and slowed the airplane to 85-90 knots. He applied the airplane brakes and noticed minor braking action with the left brake and no braking action with the right brake. The pilot retracted the flaps and applied full power to perform a go-around; however, he recognized there was not enough runway and/or airspeed to regain flight. The pilot then reduced the power to idle and applied heavy braking while attempting to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the end of the runway off the left side and came to rest about 100-150 yards into a dirt overrun area, substantially damaging the forward fuselage section. The runway was likely icy at the time of the landing due to rain the night before and sub-freezing temperatures overnight. The icy conditions would have resulted in a decreased braking performance and contributed to the runway excursion. Additionally, the operator reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Factual Information

On February 15, 2019, at 0900 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 402, N5849C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montague, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight. According to the pilot, while on final approach to runway 33 at Montague Airport (1O5), he extended full flaps and slowed the airplane to 85-90 knots. He applied the airplane brakes and noticed minor braking action with the left brake and no braking action with the right brake. The pilot retracted the flaps and applied full power to perform a go-around; however, he recognized there was not enough runway and/or airspeed to regain flight. The pilot then reduced the power to idle and applied heavy braking while attempting to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the end of the runway off the left side and came to rest about 100-150 yards into a dirt overrun area. The nosewheel collapsed during the runway excursion and the forward fuselage section of the airplane was substantially damaged. The operator reported that the temperature was approximately 33°F at the time of the accident, and the runway surface was wet from rain that fell the night before. He stated the touchdown area was likely icy due to overnight sub-freezing temperatures. The operator additionally reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on a wet/icy runway.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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