What happened
On 25 March 2024, a Textron Aviation Cessna T206 H, registration N959CS, was performing a private ferry flight from Goose Bay, Canada, to Nuuk, Greenland. The flight was part of a multi-leg journey from the United States to the United Kingdom. After a long cruise at Flight Level 130 in extremely cold temperatures of approximately -30°C, the pilot prepared for a visual approach to runway 04 at Nuuk (BGGH).
Following an aborted first landing attempt due to turbulence, the pilot executed a second approach. The aircraft touched down approximately 300 metres past the runway threshold. Upon attempting to decelerate, the pilot found that the toe brakes were completely ineffective. Despite pumping the brakes, the aircraft continued to roll down the runway with very little deceleration. Only near the end of the runway did the left brake begin to function intermittently. The aircraft eventually drifted left of the centerline and overran the runway, coming to a stop after striking a 25-centimetre-high soft snow bank. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board examined the circumstances surrounding the braking failure. The investigation noted that the aircraft had previously operated in Goose Bay (CYYR), where significant snow and ice accumulation had been reported. Following the incident, the aircraft was towed to the apron, where a functional test of the main wheel brakes showed no operational issues.
Findings
- The primary cause of the braking failure was the accumulation of snow and ice within the aircraft wheel spats (wheel fairings).
- This frozen material, which likely accumulated during ground operations in the heavy snow of Goose Bay, froze during the high-altitude cruise phase.
- The ice buildup physically prevented the effective operation of the braking mechanism during the landing roll in Nuuk.