Introduction
A four-engine transport category airplane, laden with fuel oil for distribution to the village of Kivalina, was involved in an accident during landing at Kivalina Airport. The pilot had conducted a flyover of the 3,000-foot-long by 60-foot-wide runway prior to the approach.
Flight Details
During the flyover, the pilot noted that gravel was visible in the center of the runway through a surrounding layer of snow. He stated that he could not see any snow banks or deeper snow in the landing area. Additionally, available notices to airmen did not mention any snow banks or snow berms on the runway.
Accident Sequence
The airplane landed near the threshold and on the centerline. Shortly after touchdown, the left main landing gear encountered a snow berm, causing the aircraft to veer left. The airplane subsequently impacted other snow berms on the left side of the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed as a result.
Airport Information
The U.S. Government's supplement for Alaska airports, specifically for Kivalina Airport, includes the following cautionary note: "Unattended. Caution: runway condition not monitored, recommend visual inspection prior to using."
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident is the pilot's failure to identify a hazardous landing area. Contributing factors were the presence of snow banks and berms on the runway, and the inadequate snow removal by airport personnel.