No fatalities

Pilot Reports Wing Strike During ILS Approach in Snow (N87WW)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On January 10, 2002, a Piper PA-46T (registration N87WW) operated by Marvin C. Polzien was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain proper runway alignment. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertant flight into adverse weather conditions, the pilot not performing a missed approach, and the low ceiling and snow weather conditions . 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 striking the runway with the right wing while attempting to align the airplane during an ILS approach in heavy snow, then sliding 1,500 feet before stopping upright.

Accident Details

A pilot conducted an instrument landing system (ILS) approach after checking the automated weather observing system (AWOS), which indicated visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the airplane descended from the clouds and was positioned to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the alignment by banking left and then right. During the right bank, the right wing struck the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted the runway, departed the runway to the south, and slid about 1,500 feet before coming to a stop in an upright position.

Weather Conditions

The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, snow was falling heavily, light turbulence was present, and the sky was obscured. The AWOS had indicated VFR conditions before the approach.

Pilot Actions

The pilot described the sequence of events, noting the descent from clouds at low altitude and the attempt to realign with the runway through banking maneuvers. The wing strike occurred during the right bank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 2002 Piper PA-46T accident near Albuquerque, NM?

A pilot reported striking the runway with the right wing while attempting to align the airplane during an ILS approach in heavy snow, then sliding 1,500 feet before stopping upright.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jan 2002 Piper PA-46T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 2002 involved a Piper PA-46T, registration N87WW, operated by Marvin C. Polzien, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain proper runway alignment. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertant flight into adverse weather conditions, the pilot not performing a missed approach, and the low ceiling and snow weather conditions .

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020114X00065. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.