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NTSB Report
February 2, 1993 · Piper PA-12 · N3854M
White Bear Lake, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 2, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
White Bear Lake, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N3854M
Operator
Dorn Earl D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93LA084
THE PILOT STATED WHEN HE LANDED ON THE SNOW-COVERED AIRSTRIP, IT APPEARED THE SNOW WAS 'HARD PACKED.' HE REPORTED AS THE AIRPLANE DECELERATED, IT BEGAN TO SINK INTO THE SNOW, THEN NOSED OVER. HE STATED: 'IN THE THIRTY EIGHT YEARS OF FLYING THIS IS MY FIRST ACCIDENT. SOMETIMES WE MAKE BAD DECISIONS AND THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE TIMES.' FAA PERSONNEL REPORTED 8 INCHES OF SNOW ON THE RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT SELECTED UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. THE SNOW COVERED RUNWAY WAS A FACTOR.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED WHEN HE LANDED ON THE SNOW-COVERED AIRSTRIP, IT APPEARED THE SNOW WAS 'HARD PACKED.' HE REPORTED AS THE AIRPLANE DECELERATED, IT BEGAN TO SINK INTO THE SNOW, THEN NOSED OVER. HE STATED: 'IN THE THIRTY EIGHT YEARS OF FLYING THIS IS MY FIRST ACCIDENT. SOMETIMES WE MAKE BAD DECISIONS AND THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE TIMES.' FAA PERSONNEL REPORTED 8 INCHES OF SNOW ON THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 CST
Nearest AirportBENSON (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length2500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN3854M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDorn Earl D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind275° @ 9 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO