A PROBLEM FACED BY GA AND AIR CARRIER PILOTS WHO FLY INTO NON-TOWERED FIELDS

From the Jan 2010 NASA ASRS (Aviation Safety Reporting System) newsletter. 

A potential problem faced by both GA and air carrier pilots who fly into Non-Towered fields is the lack of current NOTAM, automated weather, or ATC information about adverse airport conditions. Here’s a report from the pilot of a private turbojet aircraft who encountered a ‘no go’ situation after landing.

indication of report narrative"After a normal descent and ILS approach on Runway 21 I landed with a 20-knot right crosswind. Shortly after touchdown, I realized the entire airport property was covered with 1/4 inch of glare ice. Braking action was nil and the aircraft could only be controlled with rudder, speed brakes, and differential use of thrust reversers. The ice was not visible on final because of overcast conditions. Local FBO personnel told us of ‘ice’ on short final but this did not nearly describe the severity of the situation. The previous night’s rain had frozen a couple of hours before and runways were left untreated. I was able to bring the aircraft to a safe stop; however, I could not taxi off the runway to the ramp area. Notified Approach of the situation and was towed to ramp. There were no NOTAMS issued, no information on ASOS, and no information from Approach regarding the airport condition.

I would recommend the airport authority treat runways promptly or close the airport in such conditions while notifying pilots through NOTAM system, ASOS, or approach controllers to prevent an accident."