# NTSB CHI06CA045: Piper PA-22-108, N5031Z, Toronto, OH, December 17, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: December 17, 2005, 08:15 local (13:15 UTC) - Place: Toronto, OH - Coordinates: 40.475833, -80.628051 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4758&lon=-80.6281&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 28, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Cleveland FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 63094 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA045 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63094/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA045 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to depart from the snow-covered runway, which resulted in the swerve during takeoff roll and subsequent nose over. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - ground loop/swerve - encountered, pilot in command (contributing factor) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered (contributing factor) - Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The airplane swerved during takeoff roll on a snow-covered runway and subsequently nosed over after dragging its left wingtip. The pilot reported that the turf runway was covered with approximately two inches of "crusted snow." The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll he attempted to follow the tire tracks left in the snow by a previous airplane. The pilot reported that about 75 yards into the takeoff run he decided that the "aircraft was not going to fly." The pilot stated he "was about to close throttle and shut down, when the airplane veered to the left." The airplane subsequently dragged the left wing tip and nosed over. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if prior to takeoff he had "inspected the runway surface for degree of snow crusting." The pilot also stated that the runway was "prone to drifting snow in various areas at times." ## Factual narrative The airplane swerved during takeoff roll on a snow-covered runway and subsequently nosed over after dragging its left wingtip. The pilot reported that the turf runway was covered with approximately two inches of "crusted snow." The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll he attempted to follow the tire tracks left in the snow by a previous airplane. The pilot reported that about 75 yards into the takeoff run he decided that the "aircraft was not going to fly." The pilot stated he "was about to close throttle and shut down, when the airplane veered to the left." The airplane subsequently dragged the left wing tip and nosed over. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if prior to takeoff he had "inspected the runway surface for degree of snow crusting." The pilot also stated that the runway was "prone to drifting snow in various areas at times." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5031Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5031Z-2006-08-30), registration cancelled 2006-08-30, S/N 22-8649, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22-108 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-8649 - Airframe hours: 5394.73 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-C1B 108 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2005 - Departed: 1G8, Toronto, OH - Destination: 3G8, Sebring, OH - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: 1G8, Eddie Dew Memorial Airpark, runway 34, 2,268 × 145 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 70; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 2,189 total, 2,180 in this make and model, 2,077 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 23 °F, dew point 18 °F - Altimeter: 30.37 inHg - Observed at: PIT ## 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 20051217032249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051217032249A), Dec 17, 2005: Piper PA22108, Toronto, OH, Substantial damage. (-23) On 12/17/05, at 0815L aircraft N5031Z began takeoff roll on runway 34 out of 1G8. Runway 34 is a grass strip and was covered with approx 5" of snow.… ## Other investigations on N5031Z (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 FTW68D0267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW68D0267), Oct 4, 1967: Piper PA-22 (N5031Z), Manila, AR, 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.