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Student Pilot Hits Snowbank During Go-Around After Runway Drift (N5554Z)

Belfast, ME, US

On March 4, 1995, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5554Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Belfast, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. A related factor was the presence of high snowbanks along the sides of the runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during an attempted landing on Runway 15, the airplane drifted left of centerline. During the go-around, it collided with a four-foot snowbank along the runway edge.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was attempting to land on Runway 15 when the airplane drifted left of the runway's centerline. The student pilot decided to execute a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the airplane collided with a four-foot snowbank that ran along the edge of the runway.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was out of the south at about 8 knots. He stated that there must have been a gust out of the west. No further details about weather conditions were provided.

Damage

The source does not specify any damage to the airplane or injuries. No information is available regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator.

Investigation

The accident investigation source did not assign a probable cause. The report is based solely on the student pilot's account.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1995 Piper PA-22-108 accident near Belfast, ME?

A student pilot reported that during an attempted landing on Runway 15, the airplane drifted left of centerline. During the go-around, it collided with a four-foot snowbank along the runway edge.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Mar 1995 Piper PA-22-108 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1995 involved a Piper PA-22-108, registration N5554Z, at Belfast, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. A related factor was the presence of high snowbanks along the sides of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.