FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Snow-Covered Runway Takeoff Results in Nose-Over After Drift (N3407R)

Weedsport, NY, US

On March 10, 1996, a Cessna 182L (registration N3407R) was involved in an aviation accident near Weedsport, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to takeoff on a closed snow-covered runway, and his inadequate compensation for a crosswind. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flying experience. 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 pilot with 135 hours total experience, who had not flown in 90 days, attempted takeoff on a snow-covered 1,600-foot sod runway. After rotation, the airplane drifted left, struck a snow bank, and nosed over. The airport was NOTAM closed due to snow.

Background

The pilot/owner kept the airplane at an airport that did not offer fuel service. On the day of the accident, the pilot departed with three adults and one infant, flying to another airport to refuel. That airport had two sod runways: runway 28, measuring 2,800 feet long and covered with 6 to 8 inches of snow, and runway 01, a 1,600-foot sod strip also snow-covered but with a cleared path approximately 16 feet wide down its center. The airport had been NOTAM closed due to snow-covered runways.

The Event

The pilot landed on runway 28 without issue and refueled the airplane. He then taxied to runway 01 for departure. He began the takeoff roll and rotated the airplane approximately 1,200 feet down the runway. After liftoff, the airplane drifted to the left, causing the left main landing gear to strike a snow bank. The impact led the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Experience and Conditions

The pilot stated that he lacked the experience to safely take off on the narrow, snow-covered runway given the crosswind conditions. His total flying experience was approximately 135 hours, and he had not flown in the preceding 90 days. The wind reported at an airport 20 miles east of the departure airport was from 290 degrees at 10 knots.

Key Facts

  • The airplane was operated by the pilot/owner.
  • The departure runway (01) was 1,600 feet long, sod, with 6 to 8 inches of snow and a cleared central path 16 feet wide.
  • The airport was NOTAM closed due to snow.
  • The pilot had limited experience and had not flown for 90 days.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1996 Cessna 182L accident near Weedsport, NY?

A pilot with 135 hours total experience, who had not flown in 90 days, attempted takeoff on a snow-covered 1,600-foot sod runway. After rotation, the airplane drifted left, struck a snow bank, and nosed over. The airport was NOTAM closed due to snow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna 182L, registration N3407R, at Weedsport, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to takeoff on a closed snow-covered runway, and his inadequate compensation for a crosswind. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flying experience.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.