Aircraft Overruns Runway During Snowy Takeoff in New Mexico

Casualties unknown • Albuquerque, NM, US

An aircraft failed to lift off during a snowy takeoff from Albuquerque, overrunning the runway and crashing into a field due to inadequate performance on contaminated surfaces.

What happened

The pilot-in-command and a commercial-rated passenger were operating a scheduled cargo flight between Albuquerque and Las Cruces in New Mexico. Prior to departure, a snowstorm had left the runway covered with snow, ice, and water, and light snow continued to fall at the time of the accident. Although the pilot and ground crew removed most of the snow from the aircraft before taxiing, the pilot decided to depart under visual flight rules instead of waiting for the instrument flight plan to be activated.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to rotation speed but failed to become airborne. Both occupants reported feeling a shudder similar to a stall. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff after utilizing more than 75 percent of the available runway length. Braking efforts were insufficient to stop the aircraft before it left the paved surface. The plane crossed the runway overrun and came to rest approximately 100 yards into a brush-covered field. Impact with lower terrain beyond the overrun sheared off the landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-01-18 Cessna 402 accident near Albuquerque, NM?

An aircraft failed to lift off during a snowy takeoff from Albuquerque, overrunning the runway and crashing into a field due to inadequate performance on contaminated surfaces.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-01-18 involved a Cessna 402, registration N2614U, operated by South Aero Services, at Albuquerque, NM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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