Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, Amarillo, Texas, Feb. 4, 2010–The Board identified the pilot’s loss of directional control while landing on an icy runway as the cause of the MU-2’s runway excursion. 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. An airfield representative told the FAA the runway’s braking condition was estimated as “nil” at the time of the accident.
While on approach, the pilot corrected for a right crosswind and landed 20 knots faster than the type’s recommended landing speed. After touchdown, the turboprop twin made an abrupt left turn that the pilot attempted to counter. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and shed its right main landing gear before coming to a stop. The MU-2 also suffered substantial damage to its fuselage and right forward wing spar. An examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured.