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WPR25LA056

2024-12-05 · Marysvale, Utah, United States · Minor · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport RIF

Current FAA registration · N1706B

Make / Model
PIPER PA-12
Engine
LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
3 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19850628
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A11C59

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.

Factual narrative

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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
  • — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2024_WPR25LA056.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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