Casualties unknown

Twin-engine aircraft skids off runway after landing (N6384X)

Ontario, OR, US

On January 9, 2001, a Cessna 402B (registration N6384X) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the aircraft skidding off the departure end. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot landed a twin-engine airplane on a snow-covered runway, touching down well past the threshold before the aircraft skidded off the departure end with no reported mechanical issues.

What happened

The accident occurred during the landing phase of flight when a commercial pilot was operating a twin-engine airplane. The aircraft approached a runway that was covered in snow, presenting reduced traction conditions. Upon touchdown, the airplane touched down approximately 1,500 feet beyond the designated landing threshold of the 4,529-foot-long runway.

Following the initial contact with the pavement, the pilot applied the brakes in an attempt to slow and stop the aircraft. However, due to the slippery surface conditions, the brakes were ineffective in preventing a skid. The airplane continued to slide along the runway surface until it departed from the departure end of the paved area.

The investigation

Investigators examined the aircraft following the incident to determine if any mechanical issues contributed to the outcome. The examination revealed that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures reported that may have contributed to the accident. The braking system and other critical components appeared to function as designed, indicating that the loss of directional control was primarily due to the environmental conditions and landing position rather than equipment failure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the aircraft skidding off the departure end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010206X00404. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.