Accident Details
An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting an IFR air taxi flight in a twin-engine turboprop airplane to a remote arctic airport. The pilot initially began a GPS approach to runway 06. Two miles from the runway, the pilot sighted the runway and decided to circle to land on runway 24. While turning base for runway 24, the pilot lost sight of the runway and discontinued the approach. The pilot was then cleared for another GPS approach to runway 06.
At 1.5 miles from the runway, the pilot saw the runway and continued the approach. At about 20 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot experienced flat light conditions that limited his view of the runway, allowing him to distinguish only the runway lights as a landing reference. The airplane touched down approximately 1,700 feet beyond the approach end of runway 06. The airplane then encountered about 2 feet of snow on the runway, pulled to the right, and came to a stop about 3,000 feet beyond the approach end.
The accident resulted in damage to the right engine propeller, the fuselage belly cargo pod, the right main landing gear door, and the elevator trim tab.
Weather and Runway Conditions
At the time of the accident (1515), the visibility was reported as 2.5 statute miles. At 1455, the visibility was 1 statute mile. The visibility minimum for the GPS approach was 1 mile. En route to the airport, the automated weather observation system (AWOS) was reporting a visibility of 1.5 miles. The airport manager reported that the accident airplane arrived during near zero visibility conditions.
The runway had been cleared the previous day, but had not been cleared on the day of the accident because of drifting snow and near zero visibility. The FAA Facility Directory for the airport states, in part: "Airport remarks - Attended 0600 to 2400. Runway not monitored. Recommend visual inspection prior to landing."
Regulatory References
FAR 91.103 Preflight Action states, in part: "Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning the flight." FAR 135.229 Airport Requirements states, in part: "(a) No certificate holder may use any airport unless it is adequate for the proposed operation, considering such items as size, surface, obstructions, and lighting."