Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors associated with the accident were: the low fuel condition, which led to a single engine landing, and the crosswind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the right fuel tanks emptied, and he had to shut down the right engine. He elected to make a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk. During the landing, the airplane touched down hard. The airplane was tracking straight during the initial landing roll until the nose wheel touched the ground. The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway. The pilot stated he had a direct 15 knot crosswind from the left.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 5, 1996, at 1630 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-31 Navajo airplane, N54272, registered to and operated by Yute Air, Inc., of Anchorage, Alaska, ran off the right side of the runway during a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk, Alaska. The on demand air taxi flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 135, departed Chefornak, Alaska, and the destination was Bethel, Alaska. A company flight plan was in effect and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated airline transport pilot and the 5 passengers were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. During a telephone interview with the pilot on December 13, 1996, he stated that he ran the right fuel tanks dry and had to shut down the right engine. He elected to make a precautionary landing at Nunapitchuk. During the landing the airplane touched down hard. The airplane was tracking straight during the initial landing roll until the nose wheel touched the ground. The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway. The pilot stated he had a direct 15 knot crosswind from the left. -