Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Sparta, MI — 2020-02-16

Final reportCEN20CA089
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Date
2020-02-16
Location
Sparta, MI, USA
Airport
8D4
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N6520W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing on the snow/slush-covered portion of the runway and the flight instructor's improper decision to allow the student to make his first solo flight from a snow/slush-covered runway.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, before the accident flight, he and his flight instructor had conducted three uneventful landings on the snow-covered runway before the instructor exited the airplane to allow him to make his first solo flight. During the first solo landing, the airplane slid "a bit," and the airplane came to a stop about 90° from the desired runway heading. The student taxied the airplane back to the ramp where he and the instructor discussed the landing, and both agreed that the student could continue with his second solo flight. During the second solo landing, the airplane slid left upon touchdown, and the student applied right rudder but was unable to regain directional control. Subsequently, the airplane slid into a snowbank beside the runway. The outboard 3 ft of the left wing sustained substantial damage. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction with the flight controls, nosewheel steering, or wheel brakes. Most of the runway was covered with between about 1 and 2 inches of snow/slush at the time of the accident. It is likely that the student landed the airplane on a snow/slush-covered portion of the runway, which resulted in the loss of directional control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have advised against solo flight in snowy conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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