Casualties unknown

Aircraft Swerves Off Runway After Contacting Snow Bank During Landing (N33399)

West Point, VA, US

On February 2, 1987, a Piper PA-28R-200R (registration N33399) operated by Langley Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near West Point, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing at West Point Municipal Airport, a student pilot and CFI experienced a left main gear collision with a snow bank, causing the aircraft to swerve and collapse the right gear, damaging the wing.

Incident Overview

At West Point Municipal Airport in Virginia, a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting flight training maneuvers. After performing a low pass over the uncontrolled airport, the CFI directed the student to execute a touch-and-go landing on Runway 27. The maneuver was completed successfully, and the aircraft re-entered the traffic pattern for another landing.

Second Landing and Sequence of Events

During the subsequent landing attempt, the left main landing gear contacted a snow bank located on the approach end of the runway. This contact caused the aircraft to swerve off the left side of the runway. As the aircraft skidded across the surface, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing subsequently made contact with the runway surface.

Damage

No details about the extent of damage to the aircraft or injuries to occupants were provided in the source material.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to rest off the runway. No further information regarding the outcome or any subsequent actions was reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Feb 1987 Piper PA-28R-200R accident near West Point, VA?

During a touch-and-go landing at West Point Municipal Airport, a student pilot and CFI experienced a left main gear collision with a snow bank, causing the aircraft to swerve and collapse the right gear, damaging the wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Feb 1987 involved a Piper PA-28R-200R, registration N33399, operated by Langley Aero Club, at West Point, VA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30191. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.