The pilot of the ski-equipped Cessna 180 reported that, when he applied power to takeoff in deep snow at the airport in Featherville, Idaho, the airplane turned to the left.
While taxiing back to the runway centerline, he made a wide turn and the airplane taxied off the left side of the runway into a snow-covered hole.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during taxi, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This January 2024 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.
I love the succinct pinpointed cause of the incident: “Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during taxi, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.” How about skis sticking? Sounds like a snow job to me.
Regards/J