Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after electing to land on a snow-covered runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot overflew the airport and noted what he believed to be a light coating of snow on the runway. After landing, the pilot realized that approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches of snow was present on the surface of the runway and the airplane then began to slide to the right. It subsequently departed the right side of the runway, struck a snow bank, and spun 180 degrees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its horizontal stabilizer. The airport was unattended at the time of the accident and there were no notices to airmen pertaining to the condition of the runway. The pilot reported that winds at the time of the accident were from 260 degrees at 10 to 15 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grove City, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Grove City (29D)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 340A
- N-number
- N1952E
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.