What happened
A cargo flight operating between Riverton and Denver, which included a scheduled stop in Cheyenne, resulted in an accident during the landing phase. While attempting to land on a runway covered in slush and water, the pilot experienced significant difficulty with braking and deceleration. In an attempt to recover the aircraft, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure; however, this maneuver was started too late in the landing roll.
As the twin engine aircraft attempted to climb, it veered off the runway path and collided with several trees and an electrical pole. The impact caused the plane to crash into a nearby small lake. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained injuries, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the presence of ice and slush on the runway surface led to hydroplaning, which prevented effective braking during the rollout. Several contributing factors were noted in the official report:
- The decision to begin the go-around was delayed
- The pilot selected a runway that was unfavorable relative to the existing wind conditions
- High obstacles were present near the flight path
- The pilot lacked an effective crosswind limits chart for the aircraft
- Unfavorable wind conditions contributed to the loss of control during the climb