"The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the aircraft began to veer to the left. When aileron and rudder control were not effective to re-align the aircraft's direction of travel, the pilot transferred over to the nose wheel steering control. The pilot applied corrective input all the way to the right when he heard a "clink" sound. The aircraft exited the side of the runway and collided with the terrain. Post-accident inspection of the aircraft found that the nose wheel steering cable was broken." - NTSB Identification: SEA01TA083.
The above quote is from an NTSB report on a Twin Otter incident at an airport in Idaho last year. Fortunately nobody was killed when this Otter went off the runway while landing. We should all take a moment to think about how this kind of event might play out at The Ranch, and what we can do to help our pilots create a happy ending to such a situation.
Most of us have become pretty casual about standing around the boarding area and crossing the runway, either under canopy or after we land. We have such a high regard for our pilots that we have a hard time imagining they may ever struggle with a landing. But as the above report shows, even the best pilot may unexpectedly face a difficult situation such as a broken cable, blown tire, engine failure in beta, or a challenging crosswind. We should be extra alert when near the runway and always yield to approaching traffic.
Here are a few suggestions to keep yourself safe from aircraft, and to keep the aircraft safe from you:
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Always remain vigilant for landing and departing airplanes. Keep in mind that we have several Twin Otters using our runway, as well as multiple smaller planes. Some of those planes are based here and the pilots can be expected to watch for jumpers, but we also have transient pilots visit the field and they may have no idea how to deal with parachutes or people near the runway. |
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Keep in mind other pilots may be using the runway even if we are on a hold for wind or clouds, or haven't started jump operations for the day. If you are killing time flying a kite, walking, or generally hanging out near the runway, keep your eyes on both ends of the runway and expect airplanes may be trying to land at any time. |
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Try not to land your parachute near the runway. Not only is landing near the runway a concern to pilots, but the asphalt tends to create turbulence that can disturb a parachute, so that area should be avoided. Make a special effort to avoid the runway area near the standard approach end... by the apple orchard. |
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Try not to cross the runway under canopy below about 200 feet. This is especially important if you are flying a parachute near the approach or departure ends of the runway. |
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If you land on the far side of the runway, stay back! Look for approaching airplanes at each end of the runway, including those making an approach from 90 degrees to the runway. If you see an airplane getting ready to land stay back at least 50 feet, and keep your eyes on the plane. Use the tent at the boarding area as a guide and never land or wait closer to the runway than that. If you are near the runway and away from the boarding area it is really helpful if you face the plane and get down on one knee so the pilot knows you see him. Keep watching the plane, and if you suspect the pilot is struggling, be prepared to run in the opposite direction. Once the plane is clear, cross the runway quickly. |
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When you are at the boarding area waiting for a load, keep your eye on the approach end of the runway and watch the traffic both landing and taking off. Always be ready to hustle out of the way if the pilot is having trouble. It's easy to become complacent as the season progresses, so make a special effort to remain vigilant through middle and late summer. |
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Watch your friends. Help keep them safe by encouraging them to watch landing and departing airplanes. |
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When the Otter turns into the loading area stay back until the tail is clear, then walk behind the plane to the stairs. We all want to load the plane quickly, but it is worth using a few seconds for each load to allow the plane to properly and fully position before crossing the taxiway. |
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Never approach the pilot side window. If you really must talk with the pilot climb inside and say hello that way. |
The Ranch is a tough place to land airplanes, but we are fortunate to have some outstanding pilots. If we all work together and remain alert when near the runway we can help prevent nasty accidents and injury, and at the same time we will be making the job slightly less stressful for our pilots.