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Snow landing goes awry

By NTSB · December 19, 2019 ·

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper PA-22 reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip in Yentna, Alaska, the left main tire dug into snow, and the airplane veered left.

The airplane sank in the softer snow off the left side of the airstrip and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose-over.

NTSB Identification: GAA18CA090

This December 2017 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. n. willard Schwartz says

    December 20, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Too many acronyms are being used in much of your material without explanation for many of us.

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