NTSB Factual Report

On February 1, 2003, about 1400 Alaska standard time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 150 airplane, N704JB, sustained substantial damage when it overran the runway, and collided with a snow berm at the Trading Bay Airport, a private airport located about 21 miles north-northwest of Kenai, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the sole passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Johnson's Airstrip, Kenai, about 1130. No flight plan was filed, nor was one required.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on February 1, the pilot reported that he was planning to land at the Trading Bay Airport. He said he overflew the airport and saw another airplane parked on the north end of the runway. The runway is oriented north/south, and is about 4,500 feet long. The pilot said he observed what he thought was a coating of gravel on the runway. The pilot reported that he decided to land toward the south, beyond the parked airplane. The pilot said a tailwind was blowing from the north about 6 knots. He touched down just beyond the half-way point on the runway and allowed the airplane to coast. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, he applied the airplane's brakes. The pilot said he then realized the runway surface was glazed with ice, and the airplane began to slide sideways. The left main landing gear collided with a snow berm at the south end of the runway, and the left wing struck the snow. After the collision, the pilot said his inspection indicated the left main landing gear strut was loose at its fuselage attach point. On February 5, the pilot confirmed the airplane's left main landing gear attach point received structural damage, and the upper surface of the left wingtip was slightly wrinkled.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, he indicated that his reason for landing at the Trading Bay Airport was a precaution to inspect the airplane following a 200 rpm loss of engine power. He indicated that he was familiar with the airport and knew the runway ran slightly uphill toward the south. He said that he did not think the downwind landing would be a problem. In the optional, "Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation", portion of the NTSB Form 6120.1, the pilot indicated the accident could have been prevented by "attempt to use brakes immediately after touchdown (landing) to get a good idea of surface conditions."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed application of the airplane brakes resulting in an overrun during the landing roll, and subsequent collision with a snowbank. A contributing factor in the accident was icy runway conditions.