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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. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Feb 2005 Piper J-5A accident near Kenai, AK?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Feb 2005 Piper J-5A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Feb 2005 involved a Piper J-5A, registration N270JS, at Kenai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a collision with a snow berm during the landing flare. Factors contributing to the accident were flat light conditions, the presence of a snow berm along the edge of a roadway selected as the landing area, and a high oil…

More accident analyses

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.