On November 18, 1987, a Cessna 208 (registration N9370F) was involved in an aviation accident near Atmautluak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout on an ice-covered runway, associated with a propeller governor that was out of rig and would not go into beta range. 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.
A pilot lost directional control after landing on a short, ice-covered gravel runway. The aircraft exited the departure end due to a malfunctioning propeller governor that prevented beta range operation.
What happened
The pilot reported landing at a distance approximately one-third of the way down a 2,000-foot gravel runway covered with ice. Following touchdown, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. This loss of control resulted in the aircraft exiting the departure end of the runway.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the propeller governor was out of rig. This mechanical issue prevented the propeller from entering the beta range during the landing roll, which is critical for reverse thrust and braking efficiency on slippery surfaces.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout on an ice-covered runway, associated with a propeller governor that was out of rig and would not go into beta range.
What happened in the 18 Nov 1987 Cessna 208 accident near Atmautluak, AK?
A pilot lost directional control after landing on a short, ice-covered gravel runway. The aircraft exited the departure end due to a malfunctioning propeller governor that prevented beta range operation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Nov 1987 involved a Cessna 208, registration N9370F, at Atmautluak, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout on an ice-covered runway, associated with a propeller governor that was out of rig and would not go into beta range.
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