On February 27, 1998, a Cessna 320F (registration N6189Q) operated by Michael Scarks was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude which resulted in left main landing gear contacting a snowbank during the landing approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach, the left main landing gear contacted a snow/ice bank 21 feet before the runway threshold. The airplane swerved, and the pilot added power to realign. On touchdown, the left wing dropped. Despite full right rudder and brake, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck another snow bank.
Accident Sequence
On final approach, the airplane's left main landing gear contacted a 2.5-foot-high snow and ice bank located 21 feet before the runway threshold. This caused the airplane to swerve to the left. The pilot responded by adding power in an attempt to stabilize the airplane and realign it with the runway centerline.
Touchdown and Runway Excursion
During touchdown, the left wing dropped lower than normal. As the airplane slowed, it began to drift left despite the application of full right rudder and right brake. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, and its left wing struck another snow bank.
Pilot Report
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.