Casualties unknown

1999-06-22: Cessna 140 (N4205N) — North Pole, AK

North Pole, AK, US

On June 22, 1999, a Cessna 140 (registration N4205N) was involved in an aviation accident near North Pole, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged his altitude and airspeed, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were a wet grass runway, and the pilot's excessive application of the brakes. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landed long on a wet grass airstrip, locked brakes, and skidded into brush, damaging both wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

Incident Overview

A certificated private pilot was landing on a grass-covered private airstrip. The airstrip measured approximately 2,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. According to the pilot, the landing approach was high, resulting in a touchdown about three-quarters of the way down the runway. The grass was wet, and light rain was falling at the time.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes and locked them. The airplane began to skid and drifted to the right. The right wing tip struck tall brush located along the right side of the airstrip, causing the airplane to pivot to the right. The aircraft continued to skid sideways until the left main landing gear caught on the turf. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the landing gear. No further details about the extent of damage were provided.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported the high approach and long landing on wet grass. No other contributing factors were mentioned in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18922. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.