Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops After Hitting Snowbank During Takeoff Roll (N3553A)

Dixon, WY, US

On February 3, 1984, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N3553A) was involved in an aviation accident near Dixon, WY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During takeoff roll, the aircraft wandered across the runway, veered left, and struck a snowbank, causing a ground loop that substantially damaged the right wing. The instructor had limited experience.

Incident

The aircraft began to wander back and forth across the runway during the takeoff roll. As it veered to the left, the certified flight instructor (CFI) took control. The left wheel then struck a snowbank, and the aircraft ground looped to the left, substantially damaging the right wing before coming to rest. A 10-degree left crosswind was present at the time.

Instructor Experience

The CFI was inexperienced as an instructor and had logged only 26 hours of flight time in a PA22 aircraft.

Aircraft Modification

The aircraft had been modified by the removal of its nose wheel and the installation of a tailwheel. However, a new type certificate had not been issued for this modification.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38752. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.