# NTSB CHI00LA061: Piper PA-22-150, N3814P, Plymouth, IN, January 23, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 23, 2000, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Plymouth, IN - Coordinates: 41.339912, -86.310089 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3399&lon=-86.3101&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48503 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA061 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48503/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA061 ## Probable cause the pilot's disregard of the unsafe runway condition, his decision to operate the airplane on unsuitable terrain, and the failure to maintain runway centerline alignment which resulted in the landing gear contacting deeper snow. Factors associated with the accident were the snow covered runway and the snow bank which the airplane contacted. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, taxi - to takeoff - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor) - unsafe/hazardous condition - disregarded, pilot in command (cause) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area (cause) - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Nose over, taxi - to takeoff ## Analysis The pilot reported the runway was covered with approximately 2 inches of snow near the center and deeper snow on the left (north) side. He reported that as he was back taxiing, the left main gear contacted the deeper snow and the airplane veered to the left. The airplane then nosed over when it encountered a two to three foot deep snow bank on the left side of the runway. The pilot reported the local winds were from the south/southwest at 12 to 15 knots at the time of the accident. The Plymouth Municipal airport manager reported the runway had not been plowed. He stated the airport was NOTAMed closed and the accident pilot knew about the NOTAM. ## Factual narrative On January 23, 2000, at 0900 eastern standard time, a Piper PA- 22, N3814P, collided with a snow bank and nosed over at the Plymouth Airport, Plymouth, Indiana. The private pilot was back taxiing the airplane on Runway 28 (4,400' x 60') in preparation for takeoff when the accident occurred. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot reported the runway was covered with approximately 2 inches of snow near the center and deeper snow on the left (north) side. He reported that as he was taxiing, the left main gear contacted the deeper snow and the airplane veered to the left. The airplane then nosed over when it encountered a two to three foot deep snow bank on the left side of the runway. The pilot reported the local winds were from the south/southwest at 12 to 15 knots at the time of the accident. The Plymouth Municipal airport manager reported the runway had not been plowed. He stated the airport was NOTAMed closed and the accident pilot knew about the NOTAM. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3814P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3814P), registered now, S/N 22-3504 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22-150 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22S-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22s-150) (registry code 7102212) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-3504 - Airframe hours: 3136 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Steven C. Hupka - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1999, 90 hours before - Departed: C65, PLYMOUTH, MI - Airport: C65, Plymouth Municipal, runway 28, 4,400 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 29 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 13 knots - Visibility: 9 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 21 °F, dew point 10 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: GSH, 29 nm away ## 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 20000123041369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000123041369A), Jan 23, 2000: Piper PA22S150, Plymouth, IN, Substantial damage. (.19) On January 23, 2000, at 0800 central standard time, a Piper PA-22, N3814P, collided with a snow bank and nosed over at the Plymouth airport, Plymouth,… ## Other investigations on N3814P (2) 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 NYC72FLJ10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72FLJ10), Sep 10, 1971: Piper PA-22 (N3814P), Clinton, NC, substantial damage - [NTSB MIA65F0023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA65F0023), Mar 28, 1965: Piper PA-22 (N3814P), Dunn, NC, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.