On February 6, 1996, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N9242C) was involved in an aviation accident near Heber City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from terrain during the landing flare. Factors contributing to the accident were the snowbank, fog, and the pilot's complacent attitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A non-instrument rated private pilot attempted to land on runway 3 in reduced visibility due to fog. Overshooting the runway, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank, causing the left wing to tear off. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Accident Details
A non-instrument rated private pilot was approaching his destination when visibility was reduced due to fog. The pilot stated that he believed he had sufficient visibility to land on runway 3. During the approach, the pilot entered the base leg but overshot the runway. He attempted to correct the overshoot.
Landing Sequence
As the aircraft was landing, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank located on the edge of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to be pulled into the ground. The left wing was torn off during the accident sequence.
Pilot's Account
The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot suggested that avoiding a complacent attitude could prevent similar occurrences in the future.
What happened in the 6 Feb 1996 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Heber City, UT?
A non-instrument rated private pilot attempted to land on runway 3 in reduced visibility due to fog. Overshooting the runway, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank, causing the left wing to tear off. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Feb 1996 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N9242C, at Heber City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from terrain during the landing flare. Factors contributing to the accident were the snowbank, fog, and the pilot's complacent attitude.
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