GAA17CA100

Factual narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported that he was taxiing to test the brakes, the airplane slid to the right, impacted a snowbank and nosed over. He added that "this was not a flight, takeoff or landing. Simply went off [the] runway during a taxi test of [the] brakes." However, in a statement provided by the Sheriff's office to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated that he was low on fuel and after he landed, he hit a snowdrift and nosed over. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The noncertificated pilot reported that, while he was taxiing to test the brakes, the airplane slid to the right, impacted a snowbank, and nosed over. He added that "this was not a flight, takeoff or landing. Simply went off [the] runway during a taxi test of [the] brakes." However, in a statement provided by the Sheriff's office to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated that he was low on fuel and that, after he landed, he hit a snowdrift and nosed over. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Contributed to outcome