The pilot reported that during the approach to the airport in Seeley Lake, Montana, he was informed by a person on the ground, who was not associated with airport operations, that there was about 3 inches of compacted snow on the runway.
Before attempting to land, he completed a low pass over the runway to observe the runway conditions, but reported that it was dusk and he was observing flat light conditions.
He reported that the touchdown was normal, but about 50 to 75 feet into the landing roll the Cessna 175 pulled to the left. He attempted to correct with right rudder, but was unable to stop the plane from ground looping to the left into a snow berm.
After the accident, he observed that he “landed left of center” and the left main landing gear caught a one foot snow berm. The right wing and right elevator were substantially damaged.
According to the FAA Airport Facility Directory, the destination had “intermittent” snow removal and the airport manager could be called for current conditions.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to identify the plowed runway width in dusk and flat light conditions, which resulted in a touchdown left of the runway center, an impact with a snow berm, and a ground loop.
NTSB Identification: GAA16CA097
This January 2016 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Good post Tim.
Are you allowed to or would you drive on a snow covered road at over 60mph without snow tires or chains? Do aircraft have snow tires or chains? No. So why land on a runway with snow on it?
Are you allowed (Yes) to or would you drive on a snow covered road at over 60mph without snow tires or chains? (Most definitely yes, done all the time) Do aircraft have snow tires or chains? (Aircraft tires neither produce a driving force, nor would they be called to produce a braking force in snow) No. So why land on a runway with snow on it? (Because it is possible, may be needed for the mission completion, or as an emergency procedure, just too many variables to fully answer your rhetorical question.)
The bottom line, is that just because you are not familiar with, proficient in, or approving of an action, does not make it wrong for everyone.
And yes, I too know I should just delete this before posting, but I am weak and tired of armchair quarterback condemnation of the actions of others, based on some form of self righteousness.
Get off the guys back, he has an airplane to fix.
Amen!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again as it pertains to gbigs’ arrogant comments in these forums: He should learn to practice the Lincoln philosophy of public speaking which is to say that it is best to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt!