No fatalities

Twin-Turboprop Drifts Left into Snow Bank During Night Landing on Snow-Covered Runway (N854CA)

Saranac Lake, NY, US

On January 21, 1998, a Beech 1900D (registration N854CA) was involved in an aviation accident near Saranac Lake, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate snow removal from the runway by airport personnel which left a snow bank extending onto the runway. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing on a snow-covered runway, a twin-turboprop airplane drifted left into deeper snow, struck a snow bank, and came to a stop. The runway had snow banks and uncleared snow areas despite being reported as cleared.

Incident Overview

A twin-turboprop airplane experienced a runway excursion during a night landing on a snow-covered runway. The aircraft drifted left into deeper snow, struck a snow bank, and came to a stop.

Runway Conditions

The flightcrew had been informed that the runway was cleared to its full width of 150 feet, with a covering of 1/4 inch of snow over patches of ice. However, post-accident observation revealed that snow banks 2 to 4 feet high were present on both sides of the runway. Additionally, snow extended inward from both sides for approximately 20 feet at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. A snow bank also extended from a taxiway approximately 20 feet onto the runway.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to a stop after striking the snow bank. No further details about the condition of the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

All Beechcraft 1900 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 1998 Beech 1900D accident near Saranac Lake, NY?

During a night landing on a snow-covered runway, a twin-turboprop airplane drifted left into deeper snow, struck a snow bank, and came to a stop. The runway had snow banks and uncleared snow areas despite being reported as cleared.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jan 1998 Beech 1900D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 1998 involved a Beech 1900D, registration N854CA, at Saranac Lake, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate snow removal from the runway by airport personnel which left a snow bank extending onto the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09454. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.