# NTSB CHI06CA049: Piper PA-22-108, N4680Z, Spirit Lake, IA, December 21, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 21, 2005, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Spirit Lake, IA
- Coordinates: 43.3875, -95.139167
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3875&lon=-95.1392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Des Moines, IA, FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63121
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63121/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA049

## Probable cause

The pilot using an unsuitable runway and not maintaining directional control during the landing leading to the nose over on impact with snow.  A factor was the snow that remained on the runway after plowing.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - runway
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - used, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing

## Analysis

The airplane encountered snow on the runway during landing on a private airstrip and subsequently nosed over.  The day prior to the accident the pilot reported that he removed snow from the runway.  The pilot stated, "After setting down the left wheel got into the snow on runway edge.  Braking and correcting the aircraft caught in the right edge of snow on runway.  This pulled the nose wheel into the snow also.  At this time the aircraft was slowing down fast.  All of a sudden the left wing and nose came over and that was 'all over'."

## Factual narrative

The airplane encountered snow on the runway during landing on a private airstrip and subsequently nosed over.  The day prior to the accident the pilot reported that he removed snow from the runway.  The pilot stated, "After setting down the left wheel got into the snow on runway edge.  Braking and correcting the aircraft caught in the right edge of snow on runway.  This pulled the nose wheel into the snow also.  At this time the aircraft was slowing down fast.  All of a sudden the left wing and nose came over and that was 'all over'."  The pilot's safety recommendation was, "This accident could have been prevented by doing as in many accident (When in doubt. Don't do.)."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4680Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4680Z), registered now, S/N 22-8215, 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: 22-8215
- Airframe hours: 2119
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-C1B 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James D. Nygaard
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 2005
- Departed: MJQ, JACKSON, MN
- Destination: Spirit Lake, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 347 total, 300 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 0 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 3 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 30.18 inHg
- Observed at: SPW

## 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 20051221029069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051221029069A), Dec 21, 2005: Piper PA22108, Spirit Lake, IA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot departed jackson, MN on a VFR flight to his Private airstrip located approximately 8 NM west of the estherville, IA airport (EST). The night before…

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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