Casualties unknown

2002-01-25: Cessna 208B (N8RQ) — Waterville, ME

Waterville, ME, US

On January 25, 2002, a Cessna 208B (registration N8RQ) was involved in an aviation accident near Waterville, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to attempt a takeoff from a snow-covered runway with a quartering tailwind. 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 attempted a takeoff from a snow-covered runway with a downslope and gusty crosswind. After rotation at 80 knots, the airplane pulled left, slid off the runway into snow, and nosed over.

Event Details

During a takeoff attempt from a snow-covered runway, the pilot faced challenging conditions. Snow was falling, and the reported wind was from 130 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 24 knots, creating a right crosswind. The pilot selected the runway, in part, because of its 1.2 percent downslope.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated the takeoff and rotated the nose of the airplane at 80 knots. Upon rotation, the airplane unexpectedly "pulled" to the left. The pilot immediately lowered the nose and reduced engine power in an attempt to regain control. However, the airplane continued to slide leftward, departing the runway surface. It then entered an area covered with 6 to 8 inches of snow. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Aftermath

The airplane ended up inverted after the incident. No further information regarding injuries, aircraft damage, or other details has been provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020206X00190. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.