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Aircraft Collides with Snowbank After Loss of Control on Icy Runway (N123AX)

Ames, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 24, 1984, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N123AX) operated by Astec Industries was involved in an aviation accident near Ames, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: loss of control on ground/water during landing roll due to icy terrain, wrong runway selection, snow-covered terrain, improper airspeed, crosswind, failure to maintain directional control, and failure to correct ground loop/swerve. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing on a snow and ice covered runway, the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft collided with a snowbank. All four occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident Details

The aircraft executed a landing on a runway covered with snow and ice. A crosswind was present. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to use propeller reversing for braking. The aircraft subsequently began to slide to the left, and directional control was lost. The aircraft then collided with a snowbank.

Occupant and Damage Status

All four occupants escaped without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Official Findings

The investigation identified two occurrences:

Occurrence #1: Loss of Control on Ground/Water (Landing Roll)

  • Terrain condition: icy
  • Wrong runway selected by pilot in command
  • Terrain condition: snow covered
  • Airspeed: improper (pilot in command)
  • Weather condition: crosswind
  • Directional control not maintained (pilot in command)
  • Ground loop/swerve not corrected (pilot in command)

Occurrence #2: On Ground/Water Encounter with Terrain/Water (Landing Roll)

  • Terrain condition: snowbank
  • Landing gear overload

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: loss of control on ground/water during landing roll due to icy terrain, wrong runway selection, snow-covered terrain, improper airspeed, crosswind, failure to maintain directional control, and failure to correct ground loop/swerve. Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water due to snowbank and landing gear overload.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jan 1984 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Ames, United States of America?

During a crosswind landing on a snow and ice covered runway, the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft collided with a snowbank. All four occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jan 1984 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jan 1984 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N123AX, operated by Astec Industries, at Ames, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Occurrence #1: loss of control on ground/water during landing roll due to icy terrain, wrong runway selection, snow-covered terrain, improper airspeed, crosswind, failure to maintain directional control, and failure to correct ground loop/swerve. Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water due to…

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