Accident Summary
On February 4, 2010, at approximately 0215 central standard time, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, registration N644EM, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (KAMA), Amarillo, Texas. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The on-demand air taxi flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on an instrument flight rules flight plan. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) at 0111 and was landing at its intended destination.
Flight History
According to the airline transport pilot's statement, while on approach, airport operations informed the pilot that the runway was covered with snow and ice. The pilot acknowledged and continued the instrument approach. The pilot was correcting for a right crosswind and maintained a higher approach speed, landing 20 knots faster than the manufacturer's recommended landing airspeed. The airplane's right main landing gear touched down first, followed by the left main landing gear and the nose gear. The airplane then made an abrupt left turn. The pilot attempted to correct by depressing the right rudder pedal but lost control, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway on a heading approximately 30 degrees left of runway heading. The right main landing gear detached, and the airplane came to rest upright.
Weather and Runway Conditions
At 0211, an aviation special weather report from KAMA reported winds from 120 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 1/2 mile with runway 04 visual range of 4,000 to 5,000 feet, snow, freezing fog, an indefinite ceiling with vertical visibility of 110 feet, temperature 28°F, dew point 28°F, and barometric pressure of 29.91 inches of Mercury. A representative from airfield operations estimated the runway's braking condition as "nil."
Aircraft Damage
An FAA inspector found no pre-impact anomalies with the airframe or engines. Damage included denting, bending, and crushing to the fuselage and the forward spar of the right wing.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported awakening at approximately 0700 on February 3, 2010. At the time of the accident, the pilot had been awake for 19 hours and 15 minutes but had been on duty for only 4 hours and 15 minutes. This accident was part of the Safety Board's Human Fatigue Investigation Methodology Study.