NTSB Factual Report

On February 1, 2002, about 1356 Alaska standard time, a wheel-equipped Britten-Norman BN2A-26 airplane, N27MR, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff at the Ouzinkie Airport, Ouzinkie, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on demand charter flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Island Air of Kodiak, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated at the Ouzinkie Airport, and was bound for Kodiak.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on February 1, the director of operations for the operator reported that during the attempted takeoff, the right landing gear became mired in slush, and the airplane was pulled to the right side of the runway. The pilot reduced engine power to abort the takeoff. The airplane exited the runway to the right. The airplane went down an embankment and encountered rough and uneven terrain. The pilot and passengers exited the airplane without incident. The director of operations said the nose gear did not collapse, but was bent rearward.

During a telephone conversation with the IIC on February 2, the director of operations reported that the bulkhead to which the nose landing gear is attached was damaged and would have to be replaced. No other portions of the airplane were damaged. He said there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Factors associated with the accident are a slush covered runway, and rough/uneven terrain.