On March 16, 2006, a Cessna 182D (registration N9971T) operated by Donald F. Hanes was involved in an aviation accident near Sandpoint, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during taxi operations in snowy conditions, which resulted in the left wing tip striking a snow blower attachment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left wing tip after striking a snow blower attachment while maneuvering around snow berms during taxi operations.
What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was taxiing the aircraft in preparation for takeoff. The operational environment presented unusual conditions due to significant snow accumulation, requiring the pilot to navigate carefully around large snow berms to reach the active runway.
During this maneuvering process, the left wing tip of the airplane made contact with a snow blower attachment that was present on the ground. This collision resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure. The pilot later acknowledged that better awareness of these unusual situational factors could have prevented the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during taxi operations in snowy conditions, which resulted in the left wing tip striking a snow blower attachment.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Mar 2006 Cessna 182D accident near Sandpoint, ID?
An aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left wing tip after striking a snow blower attachment while maneuvering around snow berms during taxi operations.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Mar 2006 Cessna 182D accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Mar 2006 involved a Cessna 182D, registration N9971T, operated by Donald F. Hanes, at Sandpoint, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during taxi operations in snowy conditions, which resulted in the left wing tip striking a snow blower attachment.
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