SOUTH BETHLEHEM, NY, USA
N7139P
PIPER PA-24-250
The pilot reported that during the landing the left wingtip struck a snowbank next to the left side of the runway. The aircraft swerved to the left and the right wing also struck the snow bank.
On March 5, 1994, at 1000 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24, N7139P, was substantially damaged when the aircraft collided with a snow bank while landing at South Albany Airport, South Bethlehem, New York. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight by P.T. Air Inc., Albany, New York. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan had not been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91. According to NTSB form 6120.1/2 the pilot stated: ...After touchdown on [runway 01]...left wing tip caught snow bank along left side of runway. This caused right wing to come around and hit snow bank on left side. Left snow bank was very close to edge of left side of runway and right snow bank was pushed 10'-15' back from the right side of the runway. In a telephone interview, the FAA inspector stated the aircraft landed right of centerline and corrected left. It was also revealed that the runway was immediately plowed after the occurrence. Consequently, no verification could be made as to the condition of the runway. There were no NOTAMS issued for the runway conditions or height of the snow banks. The passenger was a certified private pilot but the aircraft did not require a second pilot.
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY AND THE INADEQUATE SNOW REMOVAL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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