# NTSB ANC92LA050: Piper PA-22-150, N5947D, Palmer, AK, March 22, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1992, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Palmer, AK
- Coordinates: 66.050033, -154.23973 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=66.0500&lon=-154.2397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5702
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5702/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA050

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: ICY AND SNOW COVERED RUNWAY, AND DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION.

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON A SNOW COVERED RUNWAY, THE PILOT REALIZED TOO LATE THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT GOING TO STOP ON THE ICY RUNWAY. AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY GROUND-LOOPED THE AIRPLANE TO STOP, HOWEVER, THE LEFT MAIN SKI CAUGHT ON AN ICE RIDGE, WHICH COLLAPSED THE MAIN LANDING GEAR AND THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE SURFACE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - icy (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5947D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5947D), registered now, S/N 22-4611, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4611
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David J. Payne
- Registered owner: David J. Payne
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 5L6, WASILLA, AK
- Airport: Butte, runway 27, 3,000 × 300 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 555 in this make and model, 560 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 8 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920322007409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920322007409A), Mar 22, 1992: Piper STCPA22, Palmer, AK, Substantial damage. Unable to stop on snow covered icy strip. Ground looped at end to prevent overrun. Side load collapsed ski gear.

## Other investigations on N5947D (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC06CA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06CA003), Oct 10, 2005: Piper PA-22 (N5947D), Willow, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in an on ground encounter with a river during an aborted takeoff.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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