Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain alignment with the runway while landing and executing a go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flared high, and the airplane bounced during the landing attempt. The initial touchdown was 10-12 feet right of the runway centerline. The pilot applied power to initiate a go-around, and the airplane continued to drift right as it lifted off. The airplane's right main wheel was approximately 1 foot right of the runway edge when the right wing struck a pile of ice and snow.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA062 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 17, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalispell, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Kalispell City Airport (KS27)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-300
- N-number
- N5481T
- 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.