What happened
The incident occurred during landing operations under calm wind conditions. The aircraft experienced a slight bounce upon initial touchdown. On the subsequent second touchdown, the plane veered to the left and collided with a snowbank adjacent to the runway.
The student pilot reported that it felt as though the left brake had frozen during the maneuver. This sensation prompted an immediate inspection of the braking system after the aircraft was secured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the left brake assembly to determine if mechanical dragging or freezing had occurred. The examination revealed that the left brake was free to rotate and showed no signs of binding or seizure.
Environmental conditions on the runway included an even layer of dry snow with a depth of one-half inch. This surface condition likely contributed to the vehicle's handling characteristics during the critical phase of landing.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the incident involved the aircraft's behavior during the landing roll and the pilot's reaction to it. The bounce on the first touchdown altered the trajectory, causing the leftward veer on the second contact with the ground. While the pilot attributed the directional control issue to a frozen brake, mechanical inspection ruled out brake failure as a cause.
The presence of dry snow on the runway surface reduced friction and traction, complicating the ability to maintain directional control after the bounce. The combination of the bounced landing and the snowy surface resulted in the collision with the snowbank.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that bounced landings can lead to loss of directional control, especially on surfaces with reduced friction such as snow or ice. Proper technique to avoid bounces and maintain control during the landing roll is essential for safety.