Casualties unknown

Engine Oil Pressure High; Ski-Equipped Airplane Strikes Snow Berm During Precautionary Landing (N270JS)

Kenai, AK, US

On February 20, 2005, a Piper J-5A (registration N270JS) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a collision with a snow berm during the landing flare. 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 ski-equipped airplane struck a snow berm during a precautionary landing on a rural road after the pilot noticed high engine oil pressure, resulting in structural damage.

Flight

While cruising, the commercial pilot observed the engine oil pressure gauge indicating near the maximum limit. The pilot did not recall the engine oil temperature reading. To address the high oil pressure, the pilot decided to conduct a precautionary landing on a snow-covered rural road.

Accident

The selected road was approximately 25 feet wide, straight, and free of obstacles. During the landing flare, the pilot reported that flat light conditions prevented him from seeing a plowed snow berm along the right edge of the road. When the airplane was about 5 feet above the ground, the right main landing gear ski collided with the snow berm. The impact caused the airplane to spin 180 degrees, after which it continued backwards into a large snow bank.

Damage

The accident resulted in structural damage to the right wing and fuselage of the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050228X00243. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.