Runway Construction Collision During Landing

Casualties unknown • Fort Huachuca, AZ, US

A pilot attempted a landing on runway 11 but was unable to stop the aircraft before striking barricades and a concrete berm due to unknown runway construction.

What happened

During an approach, the pilot reported that she had not received the full ATIS information, receiving only the destination winds of 210 degrees at 11 knots and the altimeter setting. After being vectored and cleared for a visual approach to the right downwind for runway 26, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 11 with winds reported at 240 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot accepted the clearance to land on runway 11.

At the time of the incident, the southeast 2300 feet of the 5365-foot runway was closed for construction. The pilot performed the landing without using flaps and subsequently realized the aircraft could not be stopped before striking barricades. The pilot attempted to initiate a go-around, but the aircraft struck the barricades. During the excursion, the right main gear collided with a concrete berm, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear. Winds during the event were gusting to 17 knots.

Findings

The pilot stated that she had checked NOTAMs the previous night and was unaware of the runway construction. While the construction information was published in the NOAA Airport/Facility Directory, once such information is published there, it is removed from the NOTAM system. This information was also included in the ATIS broadcast.

The investigation found that the pilot was using Jeppesen publications, which did not contain the runway construction details. Furthermore, the operator did not subscribe to the Jeppesen NOTAM service, nor were they required to do so under their FAA-approved operator specifications. The NOAA AFD was also not a required source under the operator's specifications.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to realize the runway was under construction due to a lack of updated information in her Jeppesen publications and the removal of the information from the NOTAM system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-12-30 Cessna 207 accident near Fort Huachuca, AZ?

A pilot attempted a landing on runway 11 but was unable to stop the aircraft before striking barricades and a concrete berm due to unknown runway construction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-12-30 involved a Cessna 207, registration N91090, operated by Courier Services, Inc., at Fort Huachuca, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to realize the runway was under construction due to a lack of updated information in her Jeppesen publications and the removal of the information from the NOTAM system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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