Preliminary Report: MU-2 sheds gear in runway excursion

Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, Amarillo, Texas, Feb. 4, 2010–The Part 135 flight was landing in night visual conditions at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, when the pilot was informed that the runway was covered in snow and ice. After touchdown, the turboprop twin made an abrupt left turn, which the pilot attempted to counter. The airplane then departed the runway and shed its right main landing gear before coming to a stop. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to its fuselage and right forward wing spar. No one on board was injured. An airfield representative told the FAA the runway’s braking condition was estimated as “nil” at the time of the accident.