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Pilot Reports Runway Snow and Suspected Frozen Brake During Landing (N8704W)

Crested Butte, CO, US

On December 18, 2001, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8704W) operated by Jerry W. Elliott was involved in an aviation accident near Crested Butte, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a wet brake that later froze resulting in a loss of directional control on landing. A contributing factor was the snow bank. 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 during landing on a snow-covered runway, the airplane veered left. Despite applying right rudder and aileron, the left wing lost lift, and the aircraft spun off the runway. The pilot suspected a frozen brake.

Incident Description

During a landing on a runway covered with a thin layer of recently plowed snow, the pilot reported that the airplane touched down and rolled about 10 feet before beginning to "pull" to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the yaw continued. He then applied full right aileron and lifted the left wing to clear an 18-inch snow bank on the side of the runway. The airplane traveled another 100 feet before the left wing lost lift and settled back to the runway. The airplane subsequently "went through snow," spun around, and came to a stop 20 feet off the side of the runway.

Pilot Observations

After the incident, the pilot found a skid mark on the runway made by the left wheel. He suspected that the wheel may have gotten wet during taxi for takeoff and that the brake had frozen. The pilot noted that the temperature at 12,000 feet was -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 2001 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Crested Butte, CO?

A pilot reported that during landing on a snow-covered runway, the airplane veered left. Despite applying right rudder and aileron, the left wing lost lift, and the aircraft spun off the runway. The pilot suspected a frozen brake.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 2001 Piper PA-28-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8704W, operated by Jerry W. Elliott, at Crested Butte, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a wet brake that later froze resulting in a loss of directional control on landing. A contributing factor was the snow bank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011220X02430. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.