Casualties unknown

2001-12-21: Cessna 208B (N207TA) — Lewiston, ME

Lewiston, ME, US

On December 21, 2001, a Cessna 208B (registration N207TA) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately ensure the wings were free of contamination prior to departure. Factors included the operator's inadequate de-icing procedures and the snowy weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 pilot aborted takeoff after main wheels settled back onto the runway; the airplane overran and struck a localizer antenna. Post-accident review led to stricter de-icing procedures.

Snow and Pre-Takeoff Actions

Snow was falling as the pilot cleared the airplane using a ladder and a broom. Before taxiing, the pilot conducted a pre-takeoff contamination check from the cockpit. The airplane then taxied onto a snow-covered runway.

Takeoff Attempt

The pilot back-taxied the full length of the runway and set flaps to 10 degrees for departure. The takeoff roll was initiated, and the pilot rotated the airplane upon reaching 90 knots. The main wheels lifted off momentarily but then settled back onto the runway surface.

Aborted Takeoff and Collision

The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the airplane was unable to stop before the departure end of the runway. It overran the runway and collided with the localizer antenna.

Post-Accident Review

A post-accident review of the company operations manual was conducted jointly by the operator and the Federal Aviation Administration. The review resulted in the implementation of more stringent de-icing requirements for flight crews. Additionally, new procedures were introduced for takeoff performance planning and aborted takeoff criteria when operating on contaminated runways.

Updated De-Icing Procedures

Among the new de-icing procedures, the mandatory use of de-icing fluid was established prior to taxi when freezing precipitation is present and outside air temperatures range between plus 2 and minus 4 degrees Celsius.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020103X00015. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.