On March 11, 1983, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8940N) was involved in an aviation accident near Pedro Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with snow cover, which resulted in a loss of braking action and an inability to clear obstacles during the subsequent go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft attempting to land on a frozen lake due to poor runway conditions lost braking action, failed to gain altitude during a go-around, and struck trees near the shoreline.
What happened
The pilot selected a frozen lake for landing because the condition of the runways was poor. Upon approaching the village, the aircraft touched down on the snow-covered ice. The pilot immediately found that braking action was nonexistent. Due to the lack of traction, a go-around was initiated. However, the aircraft did not gain sufficient altitude before reaching the shoreline and collided with trees.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the landing site conditions and the flight path during the aborted landing. It was determined that the ice surface provided no friction for braking. The terrain near the shoreline presented an immediate obstacle that could not be cleared given the low altitude achieved during the climb-out attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with snow cover, which resulted in a loss of braking action and an inability to clear obstacles during the subsequent go-around.
What happened in the 11 Mar 1983 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Pedro Bay, AK?
An aircraft attempting to land on a frozen lake due to poor runway conditions lost braking action, failed to gain altitude during a go-around, and struck trees near the shoreline.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Mar 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8940N, at Pedro Bay, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with snow cover, which resulted in a loss of braking action and an inability to clear obstacles during the subsequent go-around.
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