Casualties unknown

Night Landing Bounce Results in Collision with Snowbank (N3561G)

Jerome, ID, US

On February 26, 1982, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N3561G) operated by Sun Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Jerome, ID. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During night landing practice with a crosswind, a student pilot bounced and drifted right. The instructor did not intervene, and the aircraft struck a snowbank on the next touchdown.

Event Overview

A student pilot was conducting night landing practice under the supervision of an instructor. The prevailing wind during the practice was from the left at 40 degrees relative to the runway, with a speed of 16 knots. During one landing, the aircraft bounced after making initial contact with the runway and then drifted to the right side of the runway.

Instructor's Actions

The instructor assessed the aircraft's position and the remaining runway length. Perceiving that there was sufficient space, the instructor did not assume control of the aircraft. The instructor's decision was based on the belief that the available room was enough to complete the landing.

Collision

On the next touchdown attempt, the aircraft collided with a snowbank. This snowbank was located parallel to the runway and was positioned approximately 20 feet inside the runway edge lights. The investigation report did not provide additional details regarding the aircraft's condition or any injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.