On January 27, 2005, a DE Havilland DHC-6-200 (registration N201EH) was involved in an aviation accident near Toksook Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind wind condition, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll, and the collapse of the nose landing gear. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind and wind gusts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Part 121 airline transport pilot landed on an ice-covered gravel airstrip in gusty crosswinds. The airplane slid sideways, exited the runway, and sustained structural damage to the nose and right wing.
Incident Overview
An airline transport pilot operating a scheduled passenger flight under CFR Part 121 executed a landing on an ice-covered, gravel airstrip in gusty crosswind conditions. The pilot estimated the winds to be a direct crosswind at 20 to 25 knots with gusts.
Sequence of Events
After a straight-in approach to runway 16, a gust of wind caused the airplane to slide sideways on the runway during the landing roll. The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the nose and right wing.
Damage
The airplane received structural damage to the nose and right wing.