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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Drifted Off Runway in Whiteout Conditions (N270MA)

Marquette, MI, US

On February 24, 1990, a Fokker F-27-200 (registration N270MA) was involved in an aviation accident near Marquette, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TOUCHDOWN AND ROLLOUT. 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

During an approach in snow and blowing snow, a whiteout occurred at touchdown, causing the pilot to lose visual reference. The aircraft drifted right into deep snow, damaging the nose gear, with no injuries reported.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions The source reports that weather was at approach minimums, characterized by snow and blowing snow. The runway environment was acquired at or above the decision height. ## Loss of Control and Impact At the moment of touchdown, a whiteout developed, reducing forward visibility to zero. The captain, who was piloting the aircraft, lost visual reference to the runway. As a result, the captain was unable to maintain directional control, and the aircraft drifted to the right. The right main landing gear contacted deep snow during the drift. ## Outcome and Damage The aircraft came to rest in waist-deep snow approximately 100 feet off the runway. The nose landing gear sustained damage. ## Casualties None of the three crew members or any of the 25 passengers reported injuries.

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22522. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.