Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands on Icy Runway, Maneuvers to Avoid Overrun (N73467)

Akiak, AK, US

On January 4, 1995, a Cessna 207 (registration N73467) operated by Arctic Circle Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Akiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. ICY RUNWAY CONDITIONS AND A LACK OF A LOCAL NOTAM TO REPORT THE RUNWAY CONDITION BY LOCAL MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a positioning flight, a pilot landed on an icy runway with nil braking, avoided overrun by moving onto a ramp, but the landing gear dug into soft snow and the wing struck the ground.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying a positioning segment of an on-demand air charter flight landed at a remote airport. Prior to landing, the pilot contacted the area FAA Flight Service Station to check for any local Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) regarding the airport. The station reported that no NOTAMs were on file.

The airport is unattended and its runway condition is not actively monitored. However, local contract maintenance personnel are responsible for maintaining the runway and can issue a local NOTAM if the runway becomes unusable.

Landing and Maneuver

The pilot executed a short field landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot discovered the runway surface was covered with ice. Braking action was nil. To prevent the airplane from running off the end of the runway, the pilot steered the airplane onto the ramp area located on the right side of the runway.

Ground Contact and Damage

While maneuvering on the ramp, the left main landing gear and nose wheel dug into soft snow. This caused the left wing to strike the ground.

Investigation

The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the incident. The available facts describe the sequence of events leading to the ground contact but do not assign a causal factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02807. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.