On January 16, 1997, a Learjet 24 (registration N991TD) operated by Air Cargo Express (Fort Wayne) was involved in an aviation accident near Muscatine, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to keep the aircraft on the runway centerline, a situation exacerbated by snow accumulation at the runway's edge. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft veered off the left side of a runway and slid sideways after contacting snow during touchdown.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway immediately after making contact with the surface. In an attempt to stop the plane, the pilot initiated an aborted landing procedure. However, the aircraft subsequently encountered snow located at the left boundary of the runway.
As a result of contacting the snowy terrain, the aircraft type exited the paved surface and underwent a lateral slide. The excursion continued for approximately 300 yards as the plane moved sideways away from the runway centerline.
Findings
Investigation into the incident identified that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Additionally, the presence of snow covering the edge of the runway contributed to the loss of control and the subsequent excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to keep the aircraft on the runway centerline, a situation exacerbated by snow accumulation at the runway's edge.