Rockwell International 690C N840JC accident near Conrad, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane due to ice and slushy snow on the runway during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot, who was executing a global positioning system approach to a non-controlled airport, saw a snowplow clearing snow from the runway as he broke out of the overcast in a light snow shower. Soon after the pilot spotted the snowplow, it exited the runway, and the pilot continued his approach/landing sequence. After touchdown, the airplane encountered an area of ice and slush on the runway and began to slide. The pilot stated that he should have initiated a go-around, but the airplane was never sufficiently realigned with the runway so he could safely apply go-around power. As the pilot continued his efforts to realign the airplane with the runway, the airplane departed the side of the runway and impacted a natural gas line warning sign. The impact with the sign resulted in a tear in the stressed skin of the fuselage that exceeded eight inches in length. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction during the accident sequence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA145 for the full record.