Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were: the wet runway and rising terrain that precluded a go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After landing on the 2300-ft turf strip, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before overrunning the upwind end into a creek. The pilot reported that the grass was covered with a half-melted coat of frost rendering the brakes ineffective; the temperature was 35 degs f. Rising terrain at the upwind end precluded a go-around. The pilot also reported that he had not flown into the airstrip for several years.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 30, 1994, approximately 0745 hours mountain standard time (mst), a Cessna 210D, N3820Y, registered to and being flown by Marvin D. Gregersen, a certificated commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when it overran the upwind end of the east runway at the Taylor private airstrip 23 miles west of Cobalt, Idaho. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated in accordance with 14CFR91, and originated from Boise, Idaho, at 0645 hours. The pilot reported that he touched down at the intended point on the 2300 foot turf strip, landing eastbound and slightly uphill. He reported that the sun had just come up, that the winds were calm, and the temperature was approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit. He also indicated that there was melting frost on the runway surface, that he was unable to stop the aircraft using brakes and retracted flaps, and that rising terrain precluded a go around. The aircraft subsequently overran the upwind end of the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft or its brakes, and told the investigator that it had been several years since he had last flown into the Taylor airstrip. -