Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low
altitude.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he decided to perform a low pass over a frozen, snow-covered lake. During the low pass, the pilot attempted to “knick” the snow with the airplane’s main tires. Upon contacting the snow, the airplane immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.
The pilot reported 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 WPR25LA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 5, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marysvale, Utah
- Nearest airport
- (RIF)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-12
- N-number
- N1706B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.