Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Left and Strikes Snow Bank on Icy Runway (N852AL)

Sunriver, OR, US

On December 29, 2001, a Pilatus PC-12 (registration N852AL) operated by Air Methods was involved in an aviation accident near Sunriver, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. An icy runway and a snow bank were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a second landing attempt, an aircraft veered left on an icy runway, colliding with a snow bank. The pilot reported calm winds and no mechanical issues.

Accident Details

The pilot of the aircraft executed two approaches to the airstrip. The first approach was missed, but the pilot successfully landed on the second attempt. After touchdown, the aircraft deviated left despite the pilot's corrective control inputs. It continued veering and collided with a snow bank located approximately one-third of the way down the runway.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported calm wind conditions at the time of the accident. The runway surface was described as icy, and some runway lights were obscured by snow.

Aircraft and Mechanical Status

No mechanical failure or malfunction was reported with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

All Pilatus PC-12 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 2001 Pilatus PC-12 accident near Sunriver, OR?

After a second landing attempt, an aircraft veered left on an icy runway, colliding with a snow bank. The pilot reported calm winds and no mechanical issues.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 2001 involved a Pilatus PC-12, registration N852AL, operated by Air Methods, at Sunriver, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. An icy runway and a snow bank were factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020117X00085. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.