Piper PA 28-140 N4404T accident near Weiser, Idaho

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and to maintain clearance from a snow berm during the aborted landing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot in the tricycle-gear-equipped airplane reported that he was flying a solo cross-country flight and landed on the 60-ft-wide asphalt runway. He recalled that there were 4-ft-high snow berm that paralleled the edges of the runway. When he touched down, he applied the brakes, and the airplane yawed to the left. In fear of striking the snow berm, he initiated a go around and rotated about 65 kts. The airplane climbed about 2 ft above the runway, but the left main landing gear wheel struck the snow berm on the left side of the runway. The left tire and brake assembly separated from the airplane, and the airplane came to rest in the snow-covered safety area left of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and aileron.

The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA157 for the full record.