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CEN21LA123

2021-02-03 · Weidman, Michigan, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport D11

Current FAA registration · N26811

Make / Model
PIPER J3F-50
Year of manufacture
1940 · 81 years old at event
Engine
FRANKLIN 4AC150-50 (50 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19550725
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A29F4A

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow.

Factual narrative

The pilot flew a low-altitude approach over a snow-covered runway. During the approach his depth perception was degraded from the bright sunlight that reflected off of the snow. The landing gear hit the snow and the airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Bright light-Effect on personnel
  • — Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring environment-Pilot
  • — Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Visual illusion/disorientation-Pilot
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Response/compensation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2021_CEN21LA123.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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