Narrative:
The pilot was attempting a takeoff on an airstrip where braking action was considered good during the normal summer season. It was about 3000 ft in elevation and was snow covered most of the year, as on the day of the accident. The strip accommodated takeoffs to the south only due to grading and obstructions. Frequently, this meant a downwind takeoff. On the day of the accident, there was a 5 kt wind from the north with gusts to 10 kts. The pilot said that nose wheel steering was not effective due to the surface and the rudder was not responsive due to the tailwind. Most pilots used a 25 degree (right turn) dogleg of the runway at the north end to start their takeoff, especially when tailwinds were present. The accident aircraft went off the runway to the left and collided with a snowbank where it nosed over.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
Planning/decision .. improper .. pilot in command
Unsuitable terrain or takeoff area .. selected .. pilot in command
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
Overconfidence in aircraft's ability .. pilot in command
Self-induced pressure .. pilot in command
Weather condition .. high density altitude
Weather condition .. tailwind
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. inadequate
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. snow covered
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. icy
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. rough/uneven
Terrain condition .. snowbank
» Abandoned Plane Wrecks of the North
accident date: 21-04-1984
type: Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
registration: N15509
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Saturday 21 April 1984 |
| Time: | 17:30 |
| Type: |  Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar |
| Operator: | Hawkins & Powers Aviation |
| Registration: | N15509 |
| MSN: | 10775 |
| First flight: | |
| Total airframe hrs: | 8643 |
| Engines: | 2 Wright R-3350-89B |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Aircraft fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | Tobin Creek Airstrip, AK ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Takeoff (TOF) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Tobin Creek Airstrip, AK, United States of America |
| Fairbanks International Airport, AK (FAI/PAFA), United States of America |
The pilot was attempting a takeoff on an airstrip where braking action was considered good during the normal summer season. It was about 3000 ft in elevation and was snow covered most of the year, as on the day of the accident. The strip accommodated takeoffs to the south only due to grading and obstructions. Frequently, this meant a downwind takeoff. On the day of the accident, there was a 5 kt wind from the north with gusts to 10 kts. The pilot said that nose wheel steering was not effective due to the surface and the rudder was not responsive due to the tailwind. Most pilots used a 25 degree (right turn) dogleg of the runway at the north end to start their takeoff, especially when tailwinds were present. The accident aircraft went off the runway to the left and collided with a snowbank where it nosed over.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE:
Planning/decision .. improper .. pilot in command
Unsuitable terrain or takeoff area .. selected .. pilot in command
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
Overconfidence in aircraft's ability .. pilot in command
Self-induced pressure .. pilot in command
Weather condition .. high density altitude
Weather condition .. tailwind
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. inadequate
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. snow covered
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. icy
Airport facilities,runway/landing area condition .. rough/uneven
Terrain condition .. snowbank
Classification:
Runway excursion
Sources:
» NTSB» Abandoned Plane Wrecks of the North
Photos
accident date: 21-04-1984
type: Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
registration: N15509
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Tobin Creek Airstrip, AK to Fairbanks International Airport, AK as the crow flies is 300 km (188 miles).
Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.
Distance from Tobin Creek Airstrip, AK to Fairbanks International Airport, AK as the crow flies is 300 km (188 miles).
Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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