Casualties unknown

1998-02-24: Piper PA-32-300 (N81844) — Kongiganak, AK

Kongiganak, AK, US

On February 24, 1998, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N81844) was involved in an aviation accident near Kongiganak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged distance/altitude and airspeed, and his delay initiating a go-around. Related factors were the downdraft and snowbank. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to a snow-covered runway, a pilot descended below the glide path, struck a snow berm short of the threshold, and aborted landing after feeling a sudden drop.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing attempt on a snow and ice covered runway, the aircraft descended below the intended glide path on final approach and struck a snow berm just short of the runway. The pilot stated that while turning from base to final, the far end of the runway was obscured. As the aircraft approached the threshold, the pilot experienced a sudden drop and initiated a go-around, but the aircraft settled onto the threshold area.

Sequence of Events

The approach was conducted to a runway covered with snow and ice. The pilot noted that the far end of the runway was not visible during the turn from base to final. The aircraft descended below the desired glide path, resulting in contact with a snow berm located just before the runway threshold. The pilot felt an abrupt descent and attempted a go-around, but the aircraft was unable to climb away and instead landed on the threshold area.

Contributing Conditions

The runway surface was described as snow and ice covered. Visibility of the runway environment may have been reduced due to the obscured far end of the runway. The snow berm, which was struck, was situated short of the runway.

Outcome

The aircraft struck the snow berm and subsequently settled onto the runway threshold area. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09507. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.