Aircraft wing torn off during landing attempt in fog

Casualties unknown • Heber City, UT, US

A private pilot attempted to land on runway 3 despite reduced visibility due to fog, resulting in an aircraft accident when the landing gear struck a snowbank.

What happened

A non-instrument rated private pilot was operating an aircraft toward his destination when he encountered reduced visibility caused by fog. Despite the conditions, the pilot determined there was sufficient visibility to attempt a landing on runway 3.

While executing the base leg of the approach, the pilot overshot the runway and attempted to correct the flight path. During the landing sequence, the left main landing gear made contact with a snowbank located at the edge of the runway. This impact pulled the aircraft into the ground, causing the left wing to be torn off from the airframe.

The pilot was not injured in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to land in visibility conditions reduced by fog and subsequently struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway during the landing attempt.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-06 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Heber City, UT?

A private pilot attempted to land on runway 3 despite reduced visibility due to fog, resulting in an aircraft accident when the landing gear struck a snowbank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-06 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N9242C, at Heber City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to land in visibility conditions reduced by fog and subsequently struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway during the landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05320. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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