On February 17, 1985, a Cessna 182RG (registration N736ZX) was involved in an aviation accident near Mundelein, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ascertain the runway surface condition prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the runway and striking a snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot attempted to land without knowing the runway surface condition due to unavailable UNICOM advisories following a recent storm.
What happened
The pilot of this aircraft was unaware of the runway surface conditions prior to attempting a landing. Unicom advisories were not available to provide current information. Following a recent storm, six to twelve inches of wet snow overlaid a patchy layer of compacted snow at the time of touchdown. The aircraft slid off the runway shortly after touching down. Substantial aircraft damage occurred when the aircraft struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway.
Findings
The pilot did not know the runway surface condition prior to an attempted landing. Unicom advisories were not available. Due to a recent storm, six to twelve inches of wet snow overlying a patchy layer of compacted snow existed when he touched down. The aircraft slid off the runway shortly after touchdown. Substantial aircraft damage occurred when the aircraft struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ascertain the runway surface condition prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the runway and striking a snowbank.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Feb 1985 Cessna 182RG accident near Mundelein, IL?
The pilot attempted to land without knowing the runway surface condition due to unavailable UNICOM advisories following a recent storm.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Feb 1985 involved a Cessna 182RG, registration N736ZX, at Mundelein, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ascertain the runway surface condition prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sliding off the runway and striking a snowbank.
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