26 Sep 2009: SHORT BROS. & HARLAND SC7 SERIES — ALL WEST FREIGHT INC — Skwentna, AK

No fatalitiesSkwentna, AK, United States

A Short Bros. & Harland SC7 Series aircraft experienced a nosewheel collapse after encountering soft terrain during the landing roll at a remote airstrip.

What happened

On September 26, 2009, an SC7 Series aircraft, registration N754BD, was performing a cargo flight to a remote mining airstrip in Skwentna, Alaska, under Part 91 regulations. During the landing roll, the main landing gear wheels moved across several soft spots on the runway surface, causing the pilot to struggle with directional control. As the aircraft continued, the nosewheel transitioned onto rough and soft terrain near the edge of the airstrip, resulting in a rearward collapse of the nosewheel. This impact caused damage to a structural bulkhead in the fuselage.

There were no injuries resulting from the accident. The pilot reported that no mechanical issues had occurred prior to the event.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain directional control while operating on a narrow airstrip characterized by rough and soft terrain.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation