Accident Overview
On December 22, 2010, about 0950 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-31-350 airplane, registration N45052, sustained substantial damage during a landing at Saint Michael Airport, Saint Michael, Alaska. The aircraft was operated by Bering Air Inc. of Nome, Alaska, as a visual flight rules (VFR) passenger flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The commercial pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following was in effect.
Operator's Account
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on January 4, 2011, the director of operations for the operator reported that the airplane landed with a flat nose wheel tire. He stated that the pilot was unable to control the airplane's direction, and the airplane left the runway surface down a steep bank. During the runway excursion, the airplane received substantial damage to the left wing spar.
Pilot's Statement
In a written statement dated January 13, 2011, the pilot reiterated the information provided by the director of operations. He further reported that prior to touchdown, he observed the nose tire in a mirror and it appeared to be inflated. However, as the airplane slowed and the nose wheel made contact with the runway, it became apparent that there was a problem. He wrote that applying full opposite rudder and brake did not keep the airplane on the runway.
Conditions and Operation
The flight was conducted under VFR in visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft was on a passenger flight under Part 135. No further details regarding weather or ATC involvement were provided in the source.