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Private Pilot Veers Off Runway After Landing, Strikes Plowed Ice and Snow (N76SA)

Sandwich, IL, US

On February 14, 1994, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N76SA) operated by Eagle Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Sandwich, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the private pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing on a snow and ice covered runway. Factors are the snow on the runway and the snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

After a normal approach and touchdown, the airplane veered left, and the pilot aborted the landing. The landing gear struck a pile of plowed ice and snow, causing the airplane to nose down.

Event Details

The pilot of a private airplane reported that the approach and touchdown were normal. However, after touchdown, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot elected to abort the landing, but the airplane had already moved off the runway.

Impact and Final Position

The nose and left main landing gear struck a pile of plowed ice and snow located along the edge of the runway. After the impact, the airplane veered back onto the runway and came to rest in a nosed-down attitude.

Pilot Comments

The pilot stated that upon seeing the runway conditions, he had doubts about landing safely, but he proceeded because he had landed on snow before. He further stated that he should not have landed under those conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 1994 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Sandwich, IL?

After a normal approach and touchdown, the airplane veered left, and the pilot aborted the landing. The landing gear struck a pile of plowed ice and snow, causing the airplane to nose down.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 1994 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 1994 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N76SA, operated by Eagle Aircraft, at Sandwich, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the private pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing on a snow and ice covered runway. Factors are the snow on the runway and the snowbank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00735. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.