No fatalities

Runway Excursion into Snowbank During ILS Approach (N111UC)

Zionsville, IN, US

On January 4, 1996, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N111UC) was involved in an aviation accident near Zionsville, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Touchdown left of centerline and subsequent contact with snowdrifts beyond the cleared runway surface during an instrument approach. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft touched down left of centerline during an instrument landing system approach, striking deep snowdrifts beyond the cleared runway surface despite visual contact.

What happened

The pilot reported maintaining visual contact with the runway environment while conducting an instrument landing system approach to runway 36. The runway dimensions were recorded as 5,500 feet in length by 100 feet in width. Upon reaching two miles from the threshold, the pilot established sight of the runway surface.

The aircraft touched down 42 feet to the left of the centerline and eight feet beyond the right edge of the paved surface. At this location, the airplane encountered snowdrifts that were 30 inches deep. A notice to airmen had been issued regarding the presence of snowbanks along the sides of the runway, which reduced the available cleared width to 75 feet between the obstructions.

The investigation

The factual narrative focused on the landing phase and the immediate environment of the runway. No mechanical analysis or post-accident examination details were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

Touchdown left of centerline and subsequent contact with snowdrifts beyond the cleared runway surface during an instrument approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jan 1996 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Zionsville, IN?

An aircraft touched down left of centerline during an instrument landing system approach, striking deep snowdrifts beyond the cleared runway surface despite visual contact.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jan 1996 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jan 1996 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N111UC, at Zionsville, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Touchdown left of centerline and subsequent contact with snowdrifts beyond the cleared runway surface during an instrument approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05109. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.