No fatalities

11 Jan 2013: BEECH 65-B80 — BEMIDJI AVIATION SERVICES INC — Alexandria, MN

Alexandria, MN, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed on an ice-covered downsloping runway with a tailwind, experienced braking issues, and the airplane exited the runway, contacting an ILS antenna pylon and damaging the left wing spar.

Accident Details

Approximately 35 miles southeast of the destination airport, the pilot received local weather information and requested an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 31. After descending to the decision height, the pilot observed the runway end identifier lights and continued the approach. Subsequently, the pilot saw the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lights and the runway lights, and decided to land.

The airplane touched down about 1,000 feet down the runway. According to the pilot, when the tires contacted the runway, the brakes would skid and then "grab," alternating between skidding and grabbing. The pilot chose not to execute a go-around, remaining on the runway and attempting to stop the airplane. The airplane continued into snow-covered terrain off the departure end of the runway, where it contacted an ILS antenna pylon. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing spar.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the downsloping runway was ice-covered and that the landing was conducted with an approximate 8-knot tailwind. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane. Additionally, the pilot indicated having no prior knowledge of the braking action on the runway before landing.

Damage

The only damage reported was substantial damage to the left wing spar resulting from contact with the ILS antenna pylon. No other damage to the airplane was mentioned.

Contributing factors

Causes

Effect on operationPilotIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Awareness of condition