Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a collision with a snowbank.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that after departure he flew for over an hour and 15 minutes and then was maneuvering the airplane when he felt pressure in his inner ears. He was unable to equalize the pressure and opted to land back at the airport. He configured the airplane for landing, but was focused on getting relief for his ears. The airplane touched down normally and he manipulated the flight control stick fully aft. The pilot experienced a loss of directional control and the left tire collided with a snowbank. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Heber City, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Heber Valley (HCR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Inc A-1
- N-number
- N345HU
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.