N5849CCessna 402C · 1979

On February 15, 2019, at 0900 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 402, N5849C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montague, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight.

According to the pilot, while on final approach to runway 33 at Montague Airport (1O5), he extended full flaps and slowed the airplane to 85-90 knots. He applied the airplane brakes and noticed minor braking action with the left brake and no braking action with the right brake. The pilot retracted the flaps and applied full power to perform a go-around; however, he recognized there was not enough runway and/or airspeed to regain flight. The pilot then reduced the power to idle and applied heavy braking while attempting to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the end of the runway off the left side and came to rest about 100-150 yards into a dirt overrun area. The nosewheel collapsed during the runway excursion and the forward fuselage section of the airplane was substantially damaged.

The operator reported that the temperature was approximately 33°F at the time of the accident, and the runway surface was wet from rain that fell the night before. He stated the touchdown area was likely icy due to overnight sub-freezing temperatures.

The operator additionally reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.