2005-12-21: Piper PA-22-108 — Spirit Lake, IA

Casualties unknown • Spirit Lake, IA, US

Probable cause

The pilot using an unsuitable runway and not maintaining directional control during the landing leading to the nose over on impact with snow. A factor was the snow that remained on the runway after plowing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane encountered snow on the runway during landing on a private airstrip and subsequently nosed over. The day prior to the accident the pilot reported that he removed snow from the runway. The pilot stated, "After setting down the left wheel got into the snow on runway edge. Braking and correcting the aircraft caught in the right edge of snow on runway. This pulled the nose wheel into the snow also. At this time the aircraft was slowing down fast. All of a sudden the left wing and nose came over and that was 'all over'."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-12-21 Piper PA-22-108 accident near Spirit Lake, IA?

The airplane encountered snow on the runway during landing on a private airstrip and subsequently nosed over. The day prior to the accident the pilot reported that he removed snow from the runway. The pilot stated, "After setting down the left wheel got into the snow on runway edge. Braking and correcting the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-12-21 involved a Piper PA-22-108, registration N4680Z, at Spirit Lake, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot using an unsuitable runway and not maintaining directional control during the landing leading to the nose over on impact with snow. A factor was the snow that remained on the runway after plowing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060120X00109. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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