Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxi, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the ski equipped airplane reported that, when he applied power to takeoff in deep snow, the airplane turned to the left. While taxiing back to the runway centerline, the pilot made a wide turn and the airplane taxied off the left side of the runway into a snow-covered hole, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 18, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Featherville, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- South Fork Ranch (0ID0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N2975A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- 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.