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Pilot Reports Nose-Over After Encountering Snow Bank During Back Taxi (N3814P)

Plymouth, IN, US

On January 23, 2000, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3814P) was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's disregard of the unsafe runway condition, his decision to operate the airplane on unsuitable terrain, and the failure to maintain runway centerline alignment which resulted in the landing gear contacting deeper snow. 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 reported that while back taxiing on a snow-covered runway, the airplane veered left into deeper snow and nosed over upon hitting a snow bank. The airport was NOTAMed closed.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a back taxi on a snow-covered runway, the airplane veered to the left and nosed over after contacting a snow bank. The incident occurred at Plymouth Municipal Airport, according to the airport manager.

Runway Conditions

The pilot stated that the runway was covered with approximately 2 inches of snow near the center, with deeper snow on the left (north) side. As he was back taxiing, the left main gear contacted the deeper snow, causing the airplane to veer to the left. The airplane then nosed over when it encountered a two-to-three-foot deep snow bank on the left side of the runway.

Weather and Airport Status

The pilot reported local winds from the south/southwest at 12 to 15 knots at the time of the accident. The Plymouth Municipal Airport manager reported that the runway had not been plowed and that the airport was NOTAMed closed. The manager stated that the accident pilot was aware of the NOTAM.

Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot reported that while back taxiing on a snow-covered runway, the airplane veered left into deeper snow and nosed over upon hitting a snow bank. The airport was NOTAMed closed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 2000 Piper PA-22-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

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

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's disregard of the unsafe runway condition, his decision to operate the airplane on unsuitable terrain, and the failure to maintain runway centerline alignment which resulted in the landing gear contacting deeper snow. Factors associated with the accident were the snow covered runway and the snow bank which…

More accident analyses

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.