Broomfield, CO, USA
N677P
Piaggio P180
The private pilot was making an instrument approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions. The control tower advised that packed snow and moderate braking were reported on the runway. The pilot reported that the approach was on speed and the airplane initially touched down smoothly. When the nosewheel touched down, the airplane yawed to the left, and the pilot’s efforts to maintain directional control were not successful. The airplane slid on the surface, departed the left side of the runway, and spun around, then the right wing tip and canard contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, canard, and aileron. Postaccident examination revealed both nose gear tires were deflated, and the right main tire had low air pressure. However, the pilot did not report any pre-accident mechanical malfunction or anomaly with the airplane that may have precluded normal operation.
On February 12, 2020, about 2115 mountain standard time, a Piaggio P180, N677P, went off the left side of runway 30R after landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado. The private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to JMC Air, LLC, Dillsburgh, Pennsylvania, and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Bob Hope Airport (BUR), Burbank, California, at 1745 Pacific standard time, and was destined for BJC. According to the pilot's statement, the control tower advised that there was packed snow on the runway and moderate braking was reported. The approach was made at 130 knots (Vref +10). He observed the runway lights at 6,800 ft and touched down smoothly about 112 knots. When the nose wheel touched down, the airplane yawed to the left. Right rudder was applied, but the airplane continued to drift left of centerline. Both propellers were in beta range, and he placed the right propeller into reverse in an attempt to move the nose to the right. Brakes were also applied but to no avail. The airplane slid on the surface and departed the left side of the runway and skidded through the snow. The airplane spun in the snow and the right wing tip and canard contacted the ground. Post-accident examination revealed both nose gear tires were deflated and the right main tire was low on air. The right aileron was also damaged. The pilot did not report any pre-accident mechanical malfunction or anomaly with the airplane that may have contributed to the accident.
The pilot’s loss of directional control on the snow-covered runway, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
