On June 23, 1990, a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant (registration N50GA) operated by North Star Air Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Kako Mine, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane through the touchdown and landing phase. 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.
A non-scheduled cargo air taxi experienced a loss of directional control during landing at a mining strip, veering right and exiting the runway after the pilot released the yoke and used the nose steering tiller.
Incident Overview
A non-scheduled, all-cargo air taxi flight was conducting a landing at a mining strip. According to the pilot-in-command, upon touchdown, he released the yoke with his left hand and grabbed the nose steering tiller. Before he could apply reverse thrust, the nose of the airplane lifted off the ground, and the aircraft began to veer to the right.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
The pilot-in-command applied left rudder and power to the right engine in an attempt to correct the deviation. However, the airplane departed the right side of the runway.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane through the touchdown and landing phase.