Incident Overview
A training airplane veered off the runway and impacted a snowbank during a landing at Starke County Airport. Both pilots on board were uninjured. The aircraft was moved prior to an on-scene examination, which revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Statements
The flight instructor reported that the airplane taxied through slushy snow at Porter County Municipal Airport (VPZ) before departing. The student performed two go‑arounds. On the third approach, the aircraft settled onto the runway and pulled to the right. The instructor then took over controls and applied full power. According to the instructor, "the right tire went into snow bank along side of runway and pulled aircraft off of runway, skidding side ways and collapsing nose wheel." After exiting the aircraft, the instructor inspected the runway and noted a single skid tire mark approximately 20 feet long. The instructor expressed an assumption that slush during taxi at VPZ froze the tire and caused the deviation.
The student stated, "Upon my flare I drifted slightly right of center line and sat the plane down. It immediately pulled to the right."
Examination Results
An on‑scene examination of the airplane was conducted after it had been moved. The examination did not reveal any mechanical anomalies or pre‑existing defects.
Conclusion
The accident resulted in a collapsed nose wheel and minor damage from the snowbank impact. No injuries occurred. The official investigation did not state a probable cause.