Aircraft Nosed Over During Takeoff Attempt on Snow-Covered Runway

Casualties unknown • Tuluksak, AK, US

A scheduled commuter flight involving a pilot and four passengers resulted in a nose-over accident after the aircraft veered off a snow-covered runway during takeoff.

What happened

During a scheduled commuter flight at dusk, a Cessna (type not specified) was attempting to depart from a runway measuring 2500 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The runway surface was covered in snow.

As the aircraft performed its takeoff roll, it suddenly veered to the left toward the edge of the runway and an adjacent snow berm. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff; however, the aircraft struck a berm, causing the plane to nose over. There were 5 occupants on board, consisting of one pilot and four passengers, and all were not injured.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of the aircraft was conducted. The investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies present on the airplane prior to the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's belief that the main landing gear encountered soft snow on the runway, causing the sudden left veer and subsequent nose-over after striking a berm.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-02-07 Cessna 207 accident near Tuluksak, AK?

A scheduled commuter flight involving a pilot and four passengers resulted in a nose-over accident after the aircraft veered off a snow-covered runway during takeoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-07 involved a Cessna 207, registration N327CT, operated by Hageland Aviation Services, at Tuluksak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's belief that the main landing gear encountered soft snow on the runway, causing the sudden left veer and subsequent nose-over after striking a berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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