Casualties unknown

1988-02-10: Piper J3C (N7468) — Cody, WY

Cody, WY, US

On February 10, 1988, a Piper J3C (registration N7468) was involved in an aviation accident near Cody, 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an attempted landing on a private airstrip covered with 5-6 inches of dry powdered snow, the airplane touched down, pitched forward, and nosed over. Post-accident inspection revealed frozen landing wheels that could not rotate, having accumulated ice and snow during the flight.

Event

While attempting to land on a private airstrip that was covered with 5 to 6 inches of dry powdered snow, the airplane touched down. Upon touchdown, the aircraft pitched forward and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted or near-inverted position.

Post-Accident Inspection

After the airplane came to a stop, the pilot exited the aircraft and examined the landing gear. The pilot discovered that the landing wheels were frozen, preventing them from rotating. The wheels had frozen during the flight due to an accumulation of ice and snow.

Pre-Flight Conditions

Prior to the flight, the pilot had taxied the airplane in snow that was 6 to 8 inches deep, according to the pilot. During the taxi before takeoff in the snow, the pilot reported using the brakes.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25051. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.