What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-09-02 involved a DE Havilland DHC-3, registration N3125N, at Wainwright, AK.

Cargo Airplane Departs Runway After Veering During Landing Roll (N3125N)

On September 2, 2006, a DE Havilland DHC-3 (registration N3125N) was involved in an aviation accident near Wainwright, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and subsequent collision with a ditch when the airplane departed the runway. A factor contributing to the accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

A cargo airplane veered left during the landing roll on runway 23, departed the left side, rolled down an embankment, and struck a ditch. The pilot reported a crosswind from 180 degrees at 10 knots or greater.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a Title 14, CFR Part 135 cargo flight. The pilot, who held an airline transport pilot certificate, was landing a wheel-equipped airplane on runway 23. The pilot reported that the wind at the airport was from 180 degrees, with a strength of 10 knots or greater, as indicated by streaks of white foam on many nearby lakes that appeared perpendicular to the runway.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the airplane suddenly veered to the left. The pilot applied right brake and right rudder in an attempt to correct the deviation. Despite these inputs, the airplane departed off the left side of the runway, rolled down an embankment, and collided with a ditch.

Damage

The airplane sustained structural damage to the left main landing gear assembly, the left aileron, and the fuselage.

Pilot Comments

In the recommendation section of the NTSB accident report, the pilot indicated that he should not have landed with the existing crosswind. No other causal factors were identified in the source material.

2006-09-02: DE Havilland DHC-3 (N3125N) — Wainwright, AK