NTSB Factual Report

On February 12, 2004, about 2130 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28R-201T (Arrow), N2216M, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a snow bank during the landing roll-out at the Rexburg-Madison County Airport, Rexburg, Idaho. The airplane is owned by Aero Technicians of Rexburg, and was being operated by the commercial pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot and the three passengers aboard the airplane were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that originated from Rexburg approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement dated February 19, 2004, the pilot reported that while landing on Runway 17, the airplane touched down right of runway centerline. He reported that during the landing roll, the aircraft's right main landing gear encountered a snow bank adjacent to the runway "...causing the aircraft to slow and turn nearly 180 degrees." He reported that when the airplane "spun", the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing impacted the snow bank.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing assembly.

The pilot estimated the snow bank to be approximately 24 inches in height.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment, and clearance from the snow bank. A snow bank adjacent to the runway was a factor.