Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew a low-altitude approach over a snow-covered runway. During the approach his depth perception was degraded from the bright sunlight that reflected off of the snow. The landing gear hit the snow and the airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 3, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weidman, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Ojibwa Airpark (D11)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3F-50
- N-number
- N26811
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1940
- 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.