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December 29, 2001 · Pilatus PC-12 · N852AL

Sunriver, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 29, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sunriver, OR
Aircraft
Pilatus PC-12
Tail Number
N852AL
Operator
Air Methods
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA029

The pilot reported that he missed the first approach into the airstrip, however, he landed on the second attempt. After touchdown, the aircraft veered left despite the pilot's corrective control inputs, and collided with a snow bank 1/3 of the way down the runway. The pilot reported that the wind remained calm at the time of the accident. The runway surface was reported to be icy, and some runway lights were obscured by snow. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft at the time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. An icy runway and a snow bank were factors.

Full Narrative

On December 29, 2001, at 0155 Pacific standard time, a Pilatus PC-12, N852AL, registered to St. Charles Medical Center, and operated by Air Methods as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight, ran off the side of the runway during landing at Sunriver, Oregon, and collided with a snow bank. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident time. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed and then cancelled before landing. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the airline transport pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Portland, Oregon, at an unknown time. The pilot reported in a written statement that he missed the first approach into Sunriver, however, during the second attempt, the aircraft landed. The pilot stated, "Upon touchdown the aircraft veered left without control input and I tried to counter right with rudder, aileron and brake but they were ineffective". The aircraft then collided with a snow bank about 1/3 of the way down the runway. The pilot further stated that the winds remained calm throughout the accident sequence. A representative at the airport reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon Flight Standards District Office that the runway surface was icy, and some of the runway lights were obscured by snow. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft at the time of the accident. The aircraft was moved to a maintenance facility in Boise, Idaho, for repairs. On January 16, 2002, maintenance personnel completed the assessment of damage to the aircraft and reported to the NTSB that the aircraft was structurally damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time01:55 PST
Nearest AirportSUNRIVER (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length5455 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPilatus PC-12
Tail NumberN852AL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Methods
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6-67B · Turboprop · 1200
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingOvercast 100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 23 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time09:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data