Casualties unknown

Aircraft Skids Off Runway After Landing Left of Centerline (N2711X)

Aspen, CO, US

On March 30, 1985, a Cessna 402C (registration N2711X) was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Following instructions from Aspen Tower to make a short final approach due to approaching traffic, a pilot landed slightly left of Runway 15's centerline, causing the aircraft to skid left. The left wing tip struck a snowbank, leading to landing gear separation and the aircraft coming to rest off the runway's left side.

Incident Details

The pilot of the aircraft was instructed by the Aspen Tower controller to land on Runway 15. Due to approaching traffic, the controller requested that the pilot make a short final approach to the runway.

Sequence of Events

During the landing, the pilot reported touching down slightly left of the runway centerline. The aircraft then began to skid to the left. As it skidded, the left wing tip struck a snowbank located on the left side of the runway. After the left wing tip caught the snowbank, the aircraft continued to the left and came to rest off the left side of Runway 15. The landing gear separated during the event.

Environmental Conditions

The wind was reported as coming from 360 degrees at 10 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.