Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC12CA019

Nikiski, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N800DF

CESSNA 207A

Analysis

During a night landing, the pilot misidentified the runway surface and landed the airplane in a snowbank on the left side of the runway. He stated that most of the runway lights had been covered by heavy snow and were not clearly visible when the airplane was on the straight-in approach. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer.

Factual Information

During a night landing, the pilot misidentified the runway surface, and landed the airplane in a snowbank on the left side of the runway. He stated that most of the runway lights had been covered by heavy snow, and were not clearly visible on the straight-in approach. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the horizontal stabilizer.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper identification of the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the snow covering the runway lights.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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