Accident Overview
On approach to Sapporo-Okadama Airport, the aircraft was too high on the glide path and approached at an excessive speed. It landed too far down a runway that was covered with snow and was unable to stop within the remaining distance. The aircraft overran the runway, collided with a snow bank, and came to rest. All 41 occupants escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified several contributing factors. The aircraft's speed was 23 knots higher than the reference speed when crossing the threshold. Touchdown occurred at an excessive speed. Braking action was reduced because the runway surface was contaminated with snow, preventing the aircraft from stopping within the available distance. The crew did not initiate a go-around procedure even though the landing was obviously missed. Marginal weather conditions were present, and there was poor crew coordination as well as poor airspeed monitoring by the flying crew.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is: "Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who completed the approach at an excessive speed and above the glide, causing the aircraft to land too far down the runway."