On March 18, 1994, a Cessna 180 (registration N2423F) operated by Kirk Olsen was involved in an aviation accident near Eureka Lodge, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a highway with inadequate snow clearance, which resulted in the aircraft encountering deep snow and overturning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to land on a highway near Shelton Airstrip due to poor snow conditions at the field. The aircraft swerved into deep snow and overturned.
What happened
The pilot elected to perform an emergency landing on a highway adjacent to the Shelton Airstrip, determining that the snow conditions on the roadway were more favorable than those at the airfield. During the approach and touchdown phase, the pilot observed a significant snow berm located on the left side of the road. In an effort to avoid this obstacle, the aircraft's right wheel encountered deep, unplowed snow. This sudden resistance caused the airplane to swerve sharply to the right into the deeper accumulation, resulting in the aircraft overturning.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the conditions at the landing site and the pilot's decision-making process regarding the choice of a highway over the designated airstrip. Examination of the scene confirmed the presence of deep snow on the roadway which contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a highway with inadequate snow clearance, which resulted in the aircraft encountering deep snow and overturning.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Mar 1994 Cessna 180 accident near Eureka Lodge, AK?
A pilot attempted to land on a highway near Shelton Airstrip due to poor snow conditions at the field. The aircraft swerved into deep snow and overturned.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2423F, operated by Kirk Olsen, at Eureka Lodge, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a highway with inadequate snow clearance, which resulted in the aircraft encountering deep snow and overturning.
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