Probable cause
The snowplow driver’s failure to see the airplane which resulted in a collision with the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the white airplane was on a taxiway and about 200 ft from the departure runway when it was struck from behind by an airport snowplow. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that before the taxi, he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that he was departing the ramp and taxing to runway 13. After the collision, the snowplow driver asked the pilot if he made any position reports on the CTAF to which the pilot said no. Investigators were not able to resolve the discrepancy in the statements between the pilot and the snowplow driver.
The snowplow driver stated that it was difficult to see the airplane due to a lack of contrast with the surrounding snow-covered terrain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spearfish, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice (SPF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182Q
- N-number
- N97875
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.