Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 31 January 2001
Aircraft Type: Douglas DC-6B
Owner/operator: Everts Air Fuel
Registration Number: N4390F
Location: Donlin Creek Airstrip, AK – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: Left wingLeft wing
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
An aircraft experienced a loss of control during landing at a remote airstrip. The pilot reported difficulty in establishing visual contact with the airstrip surface due to flat light conditions, leading to a wing separation and a leftward deviation from the runway. The incident was likely caused by a misjudged flare during landing.An aircraft experienced a loss of control during landing at a remote airstrip. The pilot reported difficulty in establishing visual contact with the airstrip surface due to flat light conditions, leading to a wing separation and a leftward deviation from the runway. The incident was likely caused by a misjudged flare during landing.

Description

The aircraft departed Fairbanks around 11:30 to deliver about 4,800 gallons of fuel oil to the remote mining site 12 miles north of Crooked Creek, AK. The 5,400 feet long by 100 feet wide airstrip is situated within hilly, snow-covered terrain and has a 7 percent uphill grade. Flat light conditions existed at the airstrip, and light snow showers were present, with visibility reported at 2 miles. The captain stated that during final approach, as the airplane passed over the airstrip threshold, flat light conditions made it very difficult to discern where the airstrip surface was. He said that the initial touch down was “firm”, but was thought to be within acceptable tolerances. Just after touchdown, the left wing broke free from the airplane at the wing to fuselage attach point. The airplane veered to the left, and off the left side of the runway. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The flight crew’s misjudged flare while landing. Factors associated with the accident were flat light conditions, snow-covered terrain, and an uphill runway grade.”

Primary Cause

Misjudged flare during landing.Misjudged flare during landing.

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