27 Feb 2010: CESSNA 340A — WPG Fasteners Inc.

27 Feb 2010: CESSNA 340A — WPG Fasteners Inc.

No fatalities • Grove City, PA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after electing to land on a snow-covered runway.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot overflew the airport and noted what he believed to be a light coating of snow on runway 10-28, a 4,500-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway. After landing on runway 28, the pilot realized that approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches of snow was present on the surface of the runway. The airplane began to slide to the right. It subsequently departed the right side of the runway, struck a snow bank, and spun 180 degrees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its horizontal stabilizer. The airport was unattended at the time of the accident and there were no notices to airmen pertaining to the condition of the runway. The pilot reported about 1,210 hours of total flight experience, which included 21 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He also reported that winds at the time of the accident were from 260 degrees at 10 to 15 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Decision related to condition

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 290/13kt, vis 1sm

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