NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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