Casualties unknown

Private Pilot's Airplane Collides with Ditch During Takeoff from Snow-Covered Site (N325T)

Palmer, AK, US

On December 18, 2002, a Piper PA-18-105 (registration N325T) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the landing gear tires dug into the soft snow, preventing the airplane from accelerating, which led to the collision with a ditch. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A solo private pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote off-airport site, the landing gear tires dug into soft snow, preventing acceleration. The airplane collided with a ditch, collapsing both main landing gear and damaging the fuselage.

Incident Overview

A solo private pilot was conducting a takeoff from a remote off-airport location when the airplane encountered difficulties due to snow conditions. According to the pilot's report, during the takeoff roll, the landing gear tires dug into the soft snow, preventing the airplane from accelerating properly. The airplane subsequently collided with a ditch at the departure end of the site.

Damage and Sequence of Events

The collision resulted in the collapse of both main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane, indicating that the aircraft was functioning normally prior to the incident.

Pilot's Account

The solo private pilot provided a detailed account of the events. The takeoff was initiated from an unprepared snow-covered surface. As the airplane rolled forward, the tires penetrated the soft snow, creating excessive drag and preventing the necessary acceleration for liftoff. The airplane continued to the end of the site, where it struck a ditch, causing the landing gear to fail.

Conditions and Contributing Factors

The remote off-airport site featured soft snow, which was the primary obstacle during the takeoff roll. The terrain included a ditch at the departure boundary. No other environmental or mechanical issues were identified by the pilot.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the landing gear tires dug into the soft snow, preventing the airplane from accelerating, which led to the collision with a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021220X05624. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.