PIPER PA-28-236

Alton Bay, NH — February 14, 2010

Event Information

DateFebruary 14, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA10CA144
Event ID20100218X21244
LocationAlton Bay, NH
CountryUSA
Coordinates43.47750, -71.23695
AirportAlton Bay Seaplane Base
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA-28-236
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None3
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing on an ice runway.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, the landing on the ice runway was smooth, but the airplane began to drift left. The pilot was hesitant to use heavy rudder and brake inputs, as he was unsure of their effect when landing on ice. As the pilot continued to apply right rudder, the left main landing gear began “dragging on snow”, which prevented the plane from turning right. The airplane veered into a snow bank resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane. A crosswind at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots, was present at the time of the accident.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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