No fatalities

2001-02-26: Cessna 500 Citation (N234UM) — Marlin Air — Sault Sainte Marie, United States of America

Sault Sainte Marie, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 26, 2001, a Cessna 500 Citation (registration N234UM) operated by Marlin Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sault Sainte Marie, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot exceeding the available runway distance during landing and the pilot's delay in executing a go-around. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202850Data APIEditorial standards

A flight crew initiated a go-around past midfield after landing on an icy runway, but the aircraft departed the runway into snow. The captain delayed the go-around, and the first officer braced for impact.

Approach and Landing

According to the captain, the crew flew the VOR approach to runway 32. After descending through clouds at 2,500 feet, they initiated a visual straight-in approach. Upon aligning with the runway, the captain observed contamination on the runway, describing it as "maybe compacted snow or maybe ice with fresh snow over it." The captain briefed that a go-around would be performed if by midfield they were not decelerating adequately.

Runway Excursion

The captain stated that touchdown occurred within the first third of the runway. Near midfield, the airplane fishtailed. After passing midfield, the captain called for a go-around. The first officer reported that the captain added power and the first officer retracted the airbrakes. The first officer then exclaimed, "There is not enough runway! I braced myself as the aircraft went into the snow."

Warnings and Notices

The first officer noted that about 2 miles from the runway, the Unicom operator reported that braking action was nil. Additionally, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in effect at the time for the airport stated, "icy runway, nil braking."

Probable Cause

Probable cause (official findings): The pilot exceeding the available runway distance during landing and the pilot's delay in executing a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were, the pilots improper in-flight planning/decision, the pilot disregarding the NOTAMS for the airport, the pilot failing to properly consider the warning given by the Unicom operator regarding the icy runway and nil braking action, the icy runway, and the drop-off/descending embankment.