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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 13, 1996 · Piper PA-28-161 · N80029

Zionsville, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zionsville, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N80029
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA079

The student pilot was performing a touch and go landing when the airplane 'pulled left into the snow and stood up on its nose.' 'The airplane then slowly fell over onto its back.' The center 75 feet of the runway's 100 foot width had been plowed. The plowed area was 'clear and dry.' Examination of the wreckage at the site revealed the airplane nosed over in a snow bank approximately 10 feet from the left edge of the runway. Flight control continuity was established. No anomalies were found in the engine or in any of the airplane's other systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on the ground. A factor relating to this accident is the snowbank.

Full Narrative

On January 13, 1996, at 1620 eastern standard time (est), a Piper PA-28-161, N80029, piloted by a student pilot, sustained substantial damage when on landing the airplane struck a snow bank and subsequently nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A VFR flight plan was on file. The student pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Zionsville, Indiana, at 1615 est. In his written statement, the student pilot stated he was performing his third touch and go landing. He had just made the decision to takeoff again when the airplane "pulled left into the snow and stood up on its nose." "The airplane then slowly fell over onto its back." The pilot stated that the center 75 feet of the runway's 100 foot width had been plowed. The plowed area was "clear and dry." The pilot had not yet applied power to the engine or raised the flaps when the airplane pulled left. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the wreckage at the site found the airplane nosed over in a snow bank approximately 10 feet in from the left edge of the runway, and approximately 2000 feet down from the approach end of the runway. The airplane's right wing spar had separated from the fuselage at the wing root. The right wing, along the leading edge, showed heavy wrinkles and bending. The upper one-third of the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent. Numerous wrinkles were found throughout the aft fuselage. Flight control continuity was established. No anomalies were found in the engine or in any of the airplane's other systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 EST
Nearest AirportTerry Airport (1nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN80029
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data