Primary finding
Probable cause
A failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A factor in the accident was an icy runway surface.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on an ice covered gravel runway as a continuation of his business flight to remote villages. During the landing roll, the airplane began to drift to the left, toward a 4 foot snow bank. The pilot over-corrected and the airplane slid to the right and struck a 2 foot tall snow bank along the right edge of the runway. The airplane became stuck and the pilot dug the airplane out. An inspection at that time did not reveal any obvious damage. Two months later, the pilot noticed damage that was evident to the left wing and firewall and reported the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 31, 1994 at 1050 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 182 airplane, N92105, operated by the Pilot, ran off the right side of the runway during landing at New Stuyahok, Alaska. The business flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Dillingham, Alaska, and the destination was New Stuyahok. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The commercial certificated Pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. According to the Pilot, he landed on the runway and the airplane began to drift left. He stated he over-corrected and the airplane ran off the right side of the runway and struck a snow berm. The airplane stopped and the pilot dug the aircraft out of the snow. He examined the airplane but did not see any damage and did not realize any damage had been done until he brought the airplane in for maintenance on February 7, 1995. The airplane received damage to the left wing and firewall. -