Aircraft nosed over after departing runway during landing

Casualties unknown • Kipnuk, AK, US

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion and nosed over after being blown off the left side of an icy runway at a remote airport.

What happened

A pilot, who is an employee of the FAA's Airways Facilities Branch, was flying to a remote airport to perform work on the FAA's VOR building. Prior to the flight, the pilot noted a weather report indicating winds of 060 degrees at eight knots. Upon approaching the airport, the pilot visually inspected the windsock; while the frame appeared oriented toward 150 degrees, the tail of the sock was blowing at an angle, suggesting winds of 060 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

The pilot landed on runway 33, touching down at the approach end of the runway. Due to an icy runway surface, the aircraft was blown to the left approximately 300 feet after touchdown. The pilot was unable to correct the drift, causing the airplane to depart the left side of the runway and enter an area of soft snow. The impact caused the airplane to nose over, resulting in damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. No injuries were reported.

According to the Alaska supplement airport facility directory, the airport is unattended and the runway condition is not monitored. The directory also notes that the airport experiences frequent crosswinds and that the windsock at the south end of the airport is damaged and not functioning properly.

Probable cause

The aircraft departed the runway after being blown off course by crosswinds on an icy runway surface.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-01-23 Cessna 172 accident near Kipnuk, AK?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion and nosed over after being blown off the left side of an icy runway at a remote airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-01-23 involved a Cessna 172, registration N737CU, operated by Federal Aviation Administration, at Kipnuk, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft departed the runway after being blown off course by crosswinds on an icy runway surface.

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.

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