What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-02-23 involved a Mitsubishi MU-300, registration N368PU, at Gary, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF SNOW REMOVAL PERSONNEL TO RECOGNIZE THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF THE SNOW RIDGE ON THE RUNWAY AND COMMUNICATE THIS INFORMATION TO THE CONTROL TOWER. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE RUNWAY/TERRAIN/LIGHT CONDITIONS, AND FAILURE OF AIRPORT MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL TO IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS…

Aircraft Wing Damaged After Hitting Snow Ridge During Landing on Partially Cleared Runway (N368PU)

On February 23, 1990, a Mitsubishi MU-300 (registration N368PU) was involved in an aviation accident near Gary, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF SNOW REMOVAL PERSONNEL TO RECOGNIZE THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF THE SNOW RIDGE ON THE RUNWAY AND COMMUNICATE THIS INFORMATION TO THE CONTROL TOWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a landing on a runway that was 50% cleared of snow, an aircraft's left wing and flap struck a snow ridge between plowed and unplowed portions, causing damage. The occupants reported feeling bumps during the landing roll.

Snow Removal and Runway Clearance

Before daylight and before the control tower opened, snow removal personnel (SRP) were clearing snow from the runway. The airport manager used a light to signal the SRP to clear the runway. The local tower controller (LC), who was coming on duty, established radio contact with the SRP to confirm the runway was clear. The SRP informed the controller that 50% of the runway, north of the centerline, was cleared of snow.

Landing Clearance and Approach

The controller relayed the information to the flight crew and subsequently cleared them to land on Runway 30. The captain stated that he landed on the cleared portion of the runway but avoided the right edge where snowbanks could be assumed to exist.

Landing and Damage

During the landing roll, with the left wing extended over the unplowed portion of the runway, the occupants felt bumps that they attributed to ice or snow on the runway. While taxiing off the runway, the captain noticed that the left wing had been damaged.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that the left wing and flap had hit a snow ridge measuring 1 to 4 feet in height. The ridge was located between the plowed and unplowed portions of the runway, running parallel and adjacent to the runway centerline.

1990-02-23: Mitsubishi MU-300 (N368PU) — Gary, IN