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Landing on snow-covered runway goes awry

By NTSB · March 22, 2021 ·

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper PA22 reported that, during landing on a snow- and ice-covered runway at the airport in Superior, Wisconsin, he was unable to maintain directional control, so he attempted a go-around.

However, the airplane hit a snowbank on the right side of the runway and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.

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 failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow- and ice-covered runway, which resulted in impact with a snowbank and a nose-over.

NTSB Identification: 99082

This March 2019 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. Jim Macklin. ATP/CFII. says

    March 23, 2021 at 4:44 am

    Ski equipped?
    On snow or ice brakes and tire traction do work except to cause issues. Seaplane don’t have brakes either but I’ll bet most seaplane learner
    Apply the brakes just after starting the engine.

    • Greg Wilson says

      March 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      The report states wheels, the aftermath photo shows it in a hangar on wheels.

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