On February 27, 1994, a Cessna 402 (registration N681RC) operated by Baker Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kivalina, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and striking a snow drift. 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.
During a nighttime landing with significant crosswinds, the aircraft drifted left off the runway and struck a snow drift. The pilot reported hitting the accumulation immediately upon touchdown.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft during nighttime conditions when attempting to land at an airport. A significant crosswind component of 19 knots from the left was present at the time of the approach and landing. As the airplane touched down on the left side of the runway, it began to drift toward the left edge due to the wind conditions.
During the landing roll, the aircraft suddenly veered further to the left, departing the paved surface of the runway. The pilot later stated that the aircraft hit a snow drift during the landing phase. Following the accident, the runway was plowed immediately to clear the area.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and striking a snow drift.
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