On April 13, 1991, a Cessna 172 (registration N3031U) operated by Thomas E. Williams was involved in an aviation accident near Cantwell, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOW COVERED RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot requesting NOTAMs for Cantwell Airport was cautioned about poor runway conditions during 'breakup' but not informed the runway was maintained for ski-equipped airplanes. The aircraft nosed over upon landing.
Event Details
A pilot received a weather briefing from the Palmer Flight Service Station and specifically requested information on any NOTAMs for the Cantwell Airport. The flight service station specialist called for a collective report, which automatically does not include any NOTAM information. The specialist stated there were no NOTAMs showing on the computer screen, but she cautioned the pilot about the poor conditions of runways during 'breakup' and read the caution listed in the Alaska Supplement under airport remarks.
Landing Incident
Upon landing at Cantwell, the airplane nosed over on the runway. The runway had been maintained for the use of ski-equipped airplanes. The source does not provide any information about injuries, damage, or whether the pilot was aware of the runway's maintenance status beyond the caution provided.
What happened in the 13 Apr 1991 Cessna 172 accident near Cantwell, AK?
A pilot requesting NOTAMs for Cantwell Airport was cautioned about poor runway conditions during 'breakup' but not informed the runway was maintained for ski-equipped airplanes. The aircraft nosed over upon landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna 172, registration N3031U, operated by Thomas E. Williams, at Cantwell, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOW COVERED RUNWAY.
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