On May 25, 1993, a Cessna 402B (registration N401NA) operated by Alaska Island Air was involved in an aviation accident near Kivalina, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to avoid a soft spot in the center of the gravel runway during takeoff, which resulted in nose gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
The pilot reported that the nose wheel sank into an unseen soft spot in the center of a recently graded gravel runway approximately 20 yards into the takeoff roll, causing the gear to collapse.
What happened
During the takeoff phase, the aircraft encountered significant issues shortly after beginning its departure. Approximately 20 yards into the takeoff roll, the nose wheel sank into a soft spot located in the center of the gravel strip. This incident resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear.
The pilot noted that the soft spot was difficult to see and indicated that the runway had been recently graded. The Alaska Airport Facility Directory includes a caution for pilots regarding the condition of runways, stating that the status is not monitored.
The investigation
The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events and the condition of the airfield. No mechanical failure of the aircraft prior to the incident was reported.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to avoid a soft spot in the center of the gravel runway during takeoff, which resulted in nose gear collapse.
What happened in the 25 May 1993 Cessna 402B accident near Kivalina, AK?
The pilot reported that the nose wheel sank into an unseen soft spot in the center of a recently graded gravel runway approximately 20 yards into the takeoff roll, causing the gear to collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 May 1993 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N401NA, operated by Alaska Island Air, at Kivalina, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to avoid a soft spot in the center of the gravel runway during takeoff, which resulted in nose gear collapse.
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