Snow-covered runway contributes to collision

Prior to departure, the pilot was taxiing the ski-equipped Cessna 180 back-and-forth on a hard-packed, snow-covered runway in North Pole, Alaska, to warm up the engine oil, and polish any frost that might have accumulated on the bottom of the skis.

During the last taxi pass the airplane began to drift to the left. He applied full right rudder, and a short burst of full engine power in attempt to correct for the drift, but the plane continued to the left, striking trees along the edge of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while taxiing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in a collision with a terrain.

NTSB Identification: ANC14CA021

This March 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.