Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182Q near Spearfish, SD — 2020-10-18

Final reportCEN21LA022
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Date
2020-10-18
Location
Spearfish, SD, USA
Airport
SPF
Aircraft
CESSNA 182Q
Registration
N97875
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The snowplow driver’s failure to see the airplane which resulted in a collision with the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the white airplane was on a taxiway and about 200 ft from the departure runway when it was struck from behind by an airport snowplow. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that before the taxi, he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that he was departing the ramp and taxing to runway 13. After the collision, the snowplow driver asked the pilot if he made any position reports on the CTAF to which the pilot said no. Investigators were not able to resolve the discrepancy in the statements between the pilot and the snowplow driver. The snowplow driver stated that it was difficult to see the airplane due to a lack of contrast with the surrounding snow-covered terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have made position reports on CTAF before taxiing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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