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NTSB Report
February 4, 2023 · Piper PA-12 12-278 · N3969B
Porterville, UT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Porterville, UT
Aircraft
Piper PA-12 12-278 (1946)
Tail Number
N3969B
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA103
The pilot reported that, the intention of the flight was to sight see and look at some local airstrips to determine their conditions. He noticed fresh tracks in the snow at an airstrip he was familiar with and decided to do a low pass to inspect further. On the third low approach he misjudged the tailwheel airplane’s height above the snow and the main wheels contacted and dug in. The pilot attempted a go-around however the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing struts, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, the intention of the flight was to sight see and look at some local airstrips to determine their conditions. He noticed fresh tracks in the snow at an airstrip he was familiar with and decided to do a low pass to inspect further. On the third low approach he misjudged the tailwheel airplane’s height above the snow and the main wheels contacted and dug in. The pilot attempted a go-around however the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing struts, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:05 MST
Nearest AirportField Of Dreams (0nm N)
Runway8
Runway Length1438 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12 12-278
Tail NumberN3969B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320A1B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 4 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 F / 27 F
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time14:54