Incident Overview
A private pilot flying a small jet canceled his instrument flight plan with air traffic control after exiting clouds during the landing approach at an uncontrolled airport. Although there was no precipitation at that time, the pilot suspected the runway might be icy due to prevailing weather conditions. He observed an airplane holding short on the taxiway at the end of the runway and assumed it was preparing for takeoff, which led him to believe the runway condition was acceptable. The pilot announced his location and intentions on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) but did not inquire about runway conditions via CTAF or UNICOM. Witnesses reported that the approach appeared normal.
Touchdown and Loss of Control
After touchdown, the pilot applied brakes and realized he had no braking action. He subsequently retracted the speed brakes, spoilers, and flaps, and added takeoff power. The airplane yawed to the left, prompting the pilot to reduce engine power to idle while applying rudder to correct the track. The airplane continued off the runway, traveling through a fence and across a road before coming to rest inverted.
Witness and Pilot Accounts
The pilot and a mechanic seated in the airplane that was holding short of the runway during the landing reported that they were only taxiing to a maintenance facility and had no intention to take off. They noted that the taxiways were icy. A witness who assisted the pilot after the accident reported that the roads at the time were covered in ice and described them as "very slick."
Recorded Data
Recorded data from the airplane indicated that the pilot flew a stabilized approach and that the airplane touched down near the approach end of the runway. Given the icy runway conditions, the airplane's landing distance required exceeded the available runway by more than 8,000 ft.
NOTAM Status
Airport personnel had not issued a NOTAM regarding the icy runway conditions. The airport manager stated he was not at the airport at the time of the accident and was still learning the new digital NOTAM manager system. The employee who was at the airport was authorized to issue NOTAMs but had not yet been trained on the new system.