Charter Flight Aircraft Destroyed in Runway Excursion and Tree Collision

Casualties unknown • Takotna, AK, US

An on-demand charter flight ended in an accident after the aircraft struck a snow berm at the end of a runway and collided with trees.

What happened

During an on-demand charter flight, the pilot was departing from a remote airport accompanied by two passengers. The runway, measuring 1,717 feet in length, was covered with 4 to 5 inches of snow, and snow banks were present along the edges and ends of the runway perimeter.

As the pilot began the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off approximately halfway down the runway. Due to flat lighting conditions, it was difficult to distinguish the boundaries of the runway from the surrounding terrain. The airplane subsequently settled onto the runway near the departure end, where it struck a 2-foot high snow berm located at the end of the runway.

Following the impact with the snow berm, the aircraft descended toward lower terrain beyond the departure end of the runway and collided with several trees. A fire occurring after the crash consumed the airplane.

Probable cause

The difficulty in distinguishing runway boundaries from the surrounding terrain due to flat lighting conditions led the aircraft to strike a snow berm at the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-12-12 Cessna 185 accident near Takotna, AK?

An on-demand charter flight ended in an accident after the aircraft struck a snow berm at the end of a runway and collided with trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-12-12 involved a Cessna 185, registration N4552F, at Takotna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The difficulty in distinguishing runway boundaries from the surrounding terrain due to flat lighting conditions led the aircraft to strike a snow berm at the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02671. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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