Casualties unknown

Loss of Directional Control During Takeoff on Snow-Covered Runway (N9970M)

Port Graham, AK, US

On April 15, 1985, a Cessna 207 (registration N9970M) operated by Cook Inlet Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Port Graham, AK. 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

An aircraft lost directional control during takeoff from a runway with 4-6 inches of snow, ice, and slush, swerved sideways, and collided with a snow bank, resulting in damage.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a loss of directional control while taking off from a runway covered with 4 to 6 inches of snow, ice, and slush. The airplane swerved sideways and subsequently collided with a snow bank, sustaining damage.

Runway Conditions

The runway surface was contaminated with a mixture of snow, ice, and slush. On the morning of the incident, snowfall had occurred, leaving a light dusting of fresh snow that covered the existing slush ice and water puddles. Additionally, the initial part of Runway 12 exhibited a severe dip.

Airport Information

The airport was situated on public domain and was not regularly attended or maintained. These conditions contributed to the accumulation of snow and ice on the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The airplane deviated sideways from its intended path and struck a snow bank, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36062. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.