Accident Details
On March 5, 2010, at approximately 1630 Alaska standard time, a Cessna U206G (registration N734JM) operated by Smokey Bay Air, Inc., impacted a snowbank during the landing roll at Nanwalek Airport, Nanwalek, Alaska. The flight originated from Homer Airport at about 1600 as a scheduled domestic passenger flight under 14 CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company VFR flight plan was filed. The airline transport certificated pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot stated that the approach to runway 01 was normal, but the airplane floated slightly before touchdown on the snow and ice covered gravel runway. The touchdown and touchdown point were normal. During the landing roll, the pilot retracted the flaps and applied brakes, later reporting "very little to no braking action." The airplane slid toward the right while in a left yaw. The pilot regained some braking action and corrected the left yaw. The airplane continued to the end of the runway and struck a snowbank with the right main landing gear, causing the airplane to yaw right. Subsequently, the left main landing gear contacted the snowbank, causing the left wing to drop and strike a snowbank. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems. He later walked the runway and concluded that braking action would have been slightly better had he landed in the opposite direction.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 29, holds commercial, airline transport, and flight instructor pilot certificates. At the commercial level, he has airplane single engine land and sea ratings. His most recent first class medical certificate, with no restrictions, was issued on October 29, 2009. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, the pilot had 5,000 total flight hours, including 1,500 hours in the accident make and model.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft damage assessment, as reported by the operator's Director of Maintenance, indicated that six stringers in the left wing and the outer rib were damaged, requiring removal and replacement.
Airport Information
Nanwalek Airport features a single runway designated 01/19. The US Department of Transportation's Alaska Airport Supplement describes the gravel runway as 1,850 feet long and 50 feet wide, with the northern 1,000 feet closed indefinitely. The supplement also notes that the approach to runway 01 is restricted by an abrupt mountain face located 0.21 nautical miles from the approach end, and the runway is not routinely maintained. It states that the runway should be visually inspected for condition before use.
Weather Conditions
A surface observation weather report taken at Seldovia Airport at 1619, approximately 11 minutes before the accident, recorded calm wind, visibility of 6 statute miles with light rain and mist, a broken ceiling at 2,500 feet, and an overcast ceiling at 3,100 feet. Temperature and dew point were both 01 degrees Celsius, and the altimeter setting was 28.69 inches of mercury. Seldovia Airport is located about 9 nautical miles at 028 degrees magnetic from the accident airport.