# NTSB CHI97LA051: Piper PA-32-260, N33797, St. Ignace, MI, January 13, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 13, 1997, 07:15 local (12:15 UTC) - Place: St. Ignace, MI - Coordinates: 45.894361, -84.733355 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8944&lon=-84.7334&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 6 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 25, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10506 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA051 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10506/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA051 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the takeoff roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snowbank 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, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The airplane drifted to the left during the takeoff roll. The left wing contacted a snowbank which resulted in the airplane turning around 180 degrees prior to coming to a stop. ## Factual narrative On January 13, 1997, at 0715 eastern standard time, a Piper PA- 32-260, N33797, operated by Great Lakes Air, Inc., collided with a snowbank while taking of on runway 27 (3,400' x 100') at the St. Ignace- Mackinac County Airport, St. Ignace, Michigan. The 14 CFR Part 135 passenger flight was en route to Mackinac Island, Michigan. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and five passengers were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, "A light snow was falling at the time. During the take-off I allowed the aircraft to drift to the left and the aircraft left wing hit a snow bank which turned the nose further to the left. The aircraft then turned 180 degrees and stopped on the runway." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N33797](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33797-2010-07-21), registration cancelled 2010-07-21, S/N 32-7500031, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-260 - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-7500031 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 135 - Registered owner: Great Lakes Air, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 83D - Destination: MCD, MACKINAC ISALND, MI - Airport: 83D, Mackinac County Airport, runway 25, 3,400 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,500 total, 350 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 108 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark - Wind: 280° at 5 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast - Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19970113000399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970113000399A), Jan 13, 1997: Piper PA32260, St Ignace, MI, Substantial damage. Left wing struck snow bank on left side of runway on takeoff, slid around, damage left wing, main gear, nose gear. (.4)the airplane drifted to the left during… ## Other investigations on N33797 (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 CHI91LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA052), Dec 28, 1990: Piper PA-32-260 (N33797), St. Ignace, MI, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE DEER CROSSING THE RUNWAY WHICH THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID. 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.