On March 9, 1983, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N17243) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Heiden, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a pile of ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft taxied into a pile of ice after landing, causing the nose gear to collapse. The pilot reported that bright sunlight blinded him as he turned right off the runway.
What happened
The aircraft taxied into a pile of ice following its landing. According to an Alaska State Trooper who assisted in the investigation, the pilot turned 45 degrees to the right and departed the runway 150 feet short of the taxiway. The sun was bright, and according to the pilot, it was blinding him. The collision with the ice collapsed the nose gear.
The investigation
An Alaska State Trooper assisted in the investigation. The trooper reported that the aircraft departed the runway 150 feet short of the taxiway after the pilot turned 45 degrees to the right. The nose gear collapsed due to the collision with a pile of ice.
Findings
The bright sun blinded the pilot during the landing and rollout. The aircraft departed the runway short of the designated taxiway entry point.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a pile of ice.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Mar 1983 Piper PA-28R-180 accident near Port Heiden, AK?
An aircraft taxied into a pile of ice after landing, causing the nose gear to collapse. The pilot reported that bright sunlight blinded him as he turned right off the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Mar 1983 involved a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N17243, at Port Heiden, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a pile of ice.
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