On 28 Dec 2017, a PIPER PA32 301T operated by STAMM AIR LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Spearfish, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadvertent landing in snow adjacent to the snow-covered runway resulting in a collision with runway signs. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot inadvertently landed in the safety area to the left of a snow-covered runway during an instrument approach in light snow, causing both wings to collide with runway signage and sustain substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that following an instrument approach in light snow, the aircraft inadvertently landed in the safety area to the left of the snow-covered runway. During the landing, both wings struck runway signage. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane to parking.
Pilot Report
The pilot indicated that the landing occurred in the safety area, which is adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The damage resulted from the collision with runway signage during the landing.