Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Runway Hole, Veers into Snowbank (N882BB)

Youngstown, OH, US

On January 15, 1999, a Cessna 421B (registration N882BB) operated by Hawkeye Charter Service, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Youngstown, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the icy runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported striking a hole with the left main landing gear during landing, causing the aircraft to veer left into a snowbank. The runway had poor braking action due to hard packed snow over thin ice.

Event Summary

A pilot reported that during landing, the aircraft struck a hole with the left main landing gear, causing it to veer off the left side of the runway into a snowbank.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated he was aware of the poor braking action on the runway prior to landing.

Witness Observation

A witness reported observing the airplane in a steep angle of descent as it broke out of the clouds.

Runway Conditions

A Notice to Airman for the runway indicated it was covered with hard packed snow over thin ice, with braking action reported as poor.

Inspector Findings

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector was unable to locate the 'bump' the pilot reported. The inspector additionally noted that numerous tracks from emergency equipment were present on the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1999 Cessna 421B accident near Youngstown, OH?

A pilot reported striking a hole with the left main landing gear during landing, causing the aircraft to veer left into a snowbank. The runway had poor braking action due to hard packed snow over thin ice.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1999 involved a Cessna 421B, registration N882BB, operated by Hawkeye Charter Service, Inc, at Youngstown, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the icy runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001204X00066. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.