# NTSB NYC96LA072: Cessna 182L, N3407R, Weedsport, NY, March 10, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 10, 1996, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC) - Place: Weedsport, NY - Coordinates: 43.039268, -76.560668 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0393&lon=-76.5607&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 5 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 20, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39157 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC96LA072 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39157/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA072 ## Probable cause the pilot's decision to takeoff on a closed snow-covered runway, and his inadequate compensation for a crosswind. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flying experience. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snowbank - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot/owner kept his airplane at an airport that did not have fuel service. The pilot, with three adults and one infant, departed and flew to another airport to fuel the airplane. The pilot landed on runway 28, a 2,800 foot sod strip, which was covered with 6 to 8 inches of snow. The pilot refueled the airplane, and taxied out to runway 01, a 1,600 foot sod strip. Runway 01 was also snow covered, and had a path cleared down the middle about 16 feet wide. The pilot started the takeoff roll and rotated the airplane about 1,200 feet down the runway. After liftoff, the airplane drifted left, where the left main gear struck a snow bank and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he did not have the experience to takeoff on the narrow runway with the crosswind condition. The airport had been NOTAM closed due to snow covered runways. Winds reported at an airport 20 miles east of the departure airport were from 290 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot's total flying experience was about 135 hours, and he had not flown in the previous 90 days. ## Factual narrative On March 10, 1996, at 1730 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182L, N3407R, was substantially damaged when it struck a snow bank during takeoff at the Whitfords Airport, Weedsport, New York. The private pilot and four passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Whitfords. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that after fueling his airplane, he taxied to runway 01 and set the flaps for a short/soft field takeoff. He further stated: "...I released the brakes and maintained runway heading. I brought the nose off the ground almost immediately, but the mains stayed grounded until the indicated airspeed was approximately 50 MPH. As the main gear lifted off, I felt the left main gear strike the left snow bank...I attempted to 'steer' aircraft back onto runway via rudder and aileron; however, the pressure of the snow was too great and was bringing the left wing down. I pulled throttle and mixture. Airplane nosed over..." The pilot also stated, "Regardless of previous aircraft experience with this runway, on that date, this pilot did not have the experience to takeoff on a thin runway with cross wind potential." In a written statement and telephone interview, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector stated that the pilot/owner kept his airplane at the Camillus Airport (NY35), Camillus, New York, which did not have fuel service. The pilot, three adults, and one infant, departed NY35 and flew to Whitfords (B16) to fuel the airplane. The pilot landed on runway 28, a 2,800 foot sod strip, which was covered with 6 to 8 inches of snow. The pilot refueled the airplane, and taxied out to runway 01, a 1,600 foot sod strip. Runway 01 was also snow covered, and had a path cleared down the middle about 18 feet wide. The pilot stated to the FAA Inspector that he started the takeoff roll and rotated about 1,200 feet down the runway. After liftoff, the airplane drifted left, where the left main gear struck a snow bank and the airplane nosed over. The FAA Inspector also stated that B16 was NOTAM closed due to snow covered runways. Winds reported at an airport 20 miles east of the departure airport were from 290 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot's total flying experience was about 135 hours, and he had not flown in the previous 90 days. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3407R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3407R-2017-07-20), registration cancelled 2017-07-20, S/N 18258707, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182L - Registry model: [Cessna 182L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182l) (registry code 2072726) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18258707 - Airframe hours: 2414 - Engines: Continental O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Barrett P. Peck - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 25, 1995, 35 hours before - Departed: B16 - Destination: MPV, MONTPELIER, VT - Airport: B16, Whitfords, runway 10, 2,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 135 total, 62 in this make and model, 91 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SYR, 20 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 19960310003749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960310003749A), Mar 10, 1996: Cessna 182L, Weedsport, NY, Substantial damage. Aircraft flipped over on takeoff when landing gear struck a snow bank. 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.