Incident Overview
During a training flight, a student pilot, under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI), executed a landing on Runway 17. The runway, constructed of asphalt, measured 3,600 feet in length and 60 feet in width. Postaccident investigation determined that the runway surface had been cleared of snow to a width of 53 feet along its entire length.
Sequence of Events
The CFI reported that the student pilot initially touched down on the runway centerline. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to veer to the right. Before control could be regained and the airplane could be brought back to the centerline, the right main landing gear contacted drifted snow that had accumulated on the runway's edge. This contact pulled the airplane further right, causing it to depart the prepared surface.
Once off the runway, the airplane encountered deep snow. The force of the snow caused the airplane to nose over, and it came to rest in an inverted position.
Environmental Conditions
The CFI noted that the wind was from 110 degrees at a speed of 10 to 13 knots at the time of the incident. The runway in use was Runway 17.
Postaccident Findings
Examination after the accident confirmed that the runway had been cleared to 53 feet in width, leaving snow along the edges. The drifted snow that was struck was not specified in the report as to its height or condition.
No other details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine configuration, or the number of occupants. The report did not mention any injuries or damage to the aircraft beyond the inversion.