Casualties unknown

Propeller Strike and Runway Width Issue at Shageluk Airport (N400WA)

Shageluk, AK, US

On March 18, 1991, a Beech C-45H (registration N400WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Shageluk, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PIC'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY DETERMINE THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF RUNWAY NEEDED BY THEIR AIRPLANE AND INADEQUATE SNOW REMOVAL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOW BERM AND THE COPILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF RUNWAY WIDTH. 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
Aircraft registered N400WA
Aircraft registered N400WA. Photo: André Gerwing / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A flight crew attempted to obtain current weather and airport information before landing at Shageluk, Alaska. After overflying the airport, they found it suitable, but during landing the left propeller struck a snow berm, causing the airplane to veer into a bank. The crew reported the runway was plowed only 26 to 35 feet wide.

Incident Overview

A flight crew flying to Shageluk, Alaska, attempted to obtain current weather and airport information prior to and during the flight, specifically concerning runway conditions. The most current information could not be confirmed, and the flight service specialist did not believe the available information was current.

Arrival and Landing

Upon reaching Shageluk, the crew overflew the airport, and it appeared suitable for landing. However, during the landing, the left propeller struck a snow berm, causing the airplane to veer into a bank.

Runway Condition

According to the flight crew, the runway had been plowed to a width of only 26 to 35 feet.

Further Details

No other information about the aircraft, occupants, or damage was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.