On March 17, 1996, a Cessna 206 (registration N942SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with crusty snow covering uneven terrain, which led to the nose ski penetrating the surface and striking the ground below. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A ski-equipped aircraft sustained damage when its nose ski penetrated crusty snow, striking uneven terrain below and causing the nose wheel to shear off during a landing roll.
What happened
The pilot was operating a ski-equipped airplane for a landing operation on a frozen lake that was covered with snow. The objective of the flight was to pick up a passenger at this location. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a small bump on the surface. This impact caused the nose wheel ski to break through the layer of crusty snow.
Once through the snow surface, the nose ski struck uneven terrain located beneath the ice and snow cover. The force of this impact resulted in the shearing off of the nose wheel. Consequently, the airplane nosed over upon completion of the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with crusty snow covering uneven terrain, which led to the nose ski penetrating the surface and striking the ground below.
What happened in the 17 Mar 1996 Cessna 206 accident near Willow, AK?
A ski-equipped aircraft sustained damage when its nose ski penetrated crusty snow, striking uneven terrain below and causing the nose wheel to shear off during a landing roll.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna 206, registration N942SA, at Willow, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a frozen lake with crusty snow covering uneven terrain, which led to the nose ski penetrating the surface and striking the ground below.
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