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Student Pilot's Aircraft Strikes Snow Bank During Landing (N33363)

Bountiful, UT, US

On January 27, 2004, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N33363) was involved in an aviation accident near Bountiful, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate visual outlook during the landing flare. Contributing factors include the pilot's lack of recent experience, the snow bank, and the snow-covered runway. 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 student pilot practicing for a private pilot check ride veered off runway 16 after the right main wheel touched down in snow. The left wing struck a snow bank, causing spar damage. The pilot noted the runway was not plowed full width and no NOTAMs were issued. The solo endorsement had expired.

Flight Details

A student pilot was conducting a local flight to practice ground reference and performance maneuvers in preparation for a private pilot check ride. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot decided not to perform pattern work and set up for a full stop landing on runway 16. Due to the winds, the pilot approached with no flaps.

Accident Sequence

During final approach, the pilot realized the aircraft was slightly high and reduced engine power to idle, descending to the runway. The pilot stated that when the airplane touched down, "the right main [landing gear] wheel touched down well into the snow." The airplane then veered and departed the right side of the runway, causing the left wing to impact a snow bank. The airplane came to a stop on a heading of approximately 220 degrees. The impact crushed the leading edge of the left wing and bent the left wing's spar.

Post-Accident Observations

The student pilot examined the touchdown point of both main wheels and stated, "they were both within the runway boundary." He also noted that "the runway wasn't plowed [to its] full width," and that no Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) identified this condition. An FAA inspector observed that the student pilot had not flown with an instructor for over 30 days and that the student pilot's 90-day solo endorsement had expired.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 2004 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Bountiful, UT?

A student pilot practicing for a private pilot check ride veered off runway 16 after the right main wheel touched down in snow. The left wing struck a snow bank, causing spar damage. The pilot noted the runway was not plowed full width and no NOTAMs were issued. The solo endorsement had expired.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jan 2004 Piper PA-28-151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N33363, at Bountiful, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate visual outlook during the landing flare. Contributing factors include the pilot's lack of recent experience, the snow bank, and the snow-covered runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040223X00219. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.