ANC97LA027

The pilot was on a cargo flight and was making an intermediate stop at a remote airport. Another company airplane landed about 3 minutes before the accident flight. The weather conditions included flat lighting conditions and overcast skies. Visibility near the runway varied from 1/2 to 3/4 mile in blowing snow, with a right quartering crosswind of 20 to 30 knots. The pilot indicated the airplane developed a high sink rate near the approach end of the runway, and he added engine power to stabilize the landing approach. The pilot reported that about 150 to 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, he encountering white-out conditions. The nose wheel of the airplane struck a snow berm 12 inches wide and 6 inches high, at the edge of the runway safety area, about 100 feet short of the runway threshold. Witnesses observed the airplane approaching the runway at a shallow angle with nearly 200 yards remaining before the beginning of the runway environment. The runway was marked with illuminated lighting and orange cones.

On February 22, 1997, about 1840 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207, N7389U, collided with terrain while landing at Chevak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country cargo flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Camai Air, Bethel, Alaska, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed near the runway. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Bethel airport, about 1730.

In the pilot/operator report submitted by the operator, the pilot indicated he was landing on runway 32, about 3 minutes behind another company airplane. The weather conditions included flat lighting conditions, visibility from 1 to 5 miles, and a right quartering crosswind of 20 to 25 knots. The pilot indicated the airplane developed a high sink rate near the approach end of the runway and he added engine power to stabilize the landing approach. About 150 to 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, the pilot reported encountering white-out conditions. The airplane then struck a snow berm with the nose wheel. The pilot reported the snow berm was 12 inches wide, 6 inches high, and extended the full width of the runway. The nose wheel was sheared off, damaging the underside of the fuselage. The airplane touched down on the runway and received damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and nose gear strut.

An Alaska State Trooper observed the accident airplane during the landing approach. He estimated the weather conditions as 700 feet overcast, visibility, 1/2 to 3/4 mile in blowing snow, wind from the north at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. The trooper indicated the airplane appeared to be approaching the runway at a shallow angle with nearly 200 yards remaining before the beginning of the runway environment. The airplane collided with a snow berm about 2 feet short of the runway safety area. The runway safety area extends approximately 100 feet from the beginning of the runway threshold. The airplane came to rest on the runway, about 600 feet from the threshold. The trooper also indicated the runway was marked with illuminated lighting and orange cones.