Pilot Debrief

AVIAT A1 near Somerset, CO — 2012-01-06

Final reportCEN12LA126
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Date
2012-01-06
Location
Somerset, CO, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AVIAT A1
Registration
N127AK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate takeoff planning/preparation, which resulted in the airplane impacting a snow drift during the takeoff roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot attempted a takeoff on a snow-covered runway that he had landed on earlier in the day. The snow was about 6 inches deep. During the takeoff roll, the airplane struck a snow drift and nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Packing down the snow on the runway before takeoff could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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