Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Marysvale, UT — 2024-12-05

Final reportWPR25LA056
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Date
2024-12-05
Location
Marysvale, UT, USA
Airport
RIF
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N1706B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he decided to perform a low pass over a frozen, snow-covered lake. During the low pass, the pilot attempted to “knick” the snow with the airplane’s main tires. Upon contacting the snow, the airplane immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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