On 25 Feb 2017, a PIPER PA 28-140 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Weiser, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and to maintain clearance from a snow berm during the aborted landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight experienced a yaw after touchdown, initiated a go-around, but the left main landing gear struck a snow berm, causing separation and substantial damage.
Accident Details
A student pilot flying a solo cross-country flight in a tricycle gear-equipped airplane landed on a 60-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot noted that 4-foot-high snow berms paralleled the edges of the runway. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, causing the airplane to yaw to the left. Fearing a collision with the snow berm, the pilot initiated a go-around and rotated at approximately 65 knots.
Sequence of Events
The airplane climbed about two feet above the runway, but the left main landing gear wheel struck the snow berm on the left side of the runway. The impact caused the left tire and brake assembly to separate from the airplane. The airplane then came to rest in the snow-covered safety area to the left of the runway.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on equipmentStudent/instructed pilot