Casualties unknown

2001-01-23: Cessna 172 (N737CU) — Federal Aviation Administration — Kipnuk, AK

Kipnuk, AK, US

On January 23, 2001, a Cessna 172 (registration N737CU) operated by Federal Aviation Administration was involved in an aviation accident near Kipnuk, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during the landing roll. Factors in the accident were the presence of a crosswind, an icy runway and snow covered terrain, the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and an inaccurate wind… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landed on an icy runway at a remote airport in gusty crosswind conditions. After touchdown, the airplane drifted left, departed the runway into soft snow, and nosed over, sustaining wing and vertical stabilizer damage.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot/owner was conducting a landing at a remote airport. The purpose of the flight was to perform work on the FAA's VOR building at the destination airport. The pilot is an employee of the FAA's Airways Facilities Branch.

Weather and Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that his pre-flight weather check included a wind report of 060 degrees at eight knots. Upon arrival over the airport, he visually checked the windsock. The windsock frame appeared to be oriented about 150 degrees, but the tail of the sock was blowing at an angle. He perceived the wind to be 060 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.

Landing and Runway Excursion

The pilot landed on Runway 33, touching down at the approach end. The runway surface was icy. Approximately 300 feet after touchdown, the airplane was blown to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the left drift, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway into an area of soft snow.

Damage

The airplane nosed over and sustained damage to its wings and vertical stabilizer.

Airport Information

The remarks section of the airport facility directory/Alaska supplement notes that the airport is unattended, the runway condition is not monitored, the airport has frequent crosswinds, and the windsock at the south end of the airport is damaged and not functioning properly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010221X00481. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.