Aircraft nosed over during taxi at Plymouth Municipal Airport

Casualties unknown • Plymouth, IN, US

An aircraft experienced a nose-over accident while back taxiing on an unplowed runway at Plymouth Municipal Airport following heavy snowfall.

What happened

While performing a back taxi at Plymouth Municipal Airport, the pilot encountered significant snow accumulation on the runway. The center of the runway was covered with approximately 2 inches of snow, while deeper accumulation was present on the left (north) side.

As the pilot was back taxiing, the left main gear made contact with the deeper snow, causing the aircraft to veer toward the left. The movement continued until the aircraft encountered a snow bank, measuring between two and three feet in depth, located on the left side of the runway. This impact caused the airplane to nose over.

At the time of the accident, local winds were reported from the south/southwest at 12 to 15 knots. The airport manager confirmed that the runway had not been plowed and noted that the airport was closed via a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), an advisory which the pilot was aware of prior to the incident. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered deep snow and a snow bank on an unplowed runway during back taxiing, leading to a loss of directional control and a subsequent nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-01-23 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Plymouth, IN?

An aircraft experienced a nose-over accident while back taxiing on an unplowed runway at Plymouth Municipal Airport following heavy snowfall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-01-23 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3814P, at Plymouth, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered deep snow and a snow bank on an unplowed runway during back taxiing, leading to a loss of directional control and a subsequent nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20336. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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