N2438L

On March 11, 1998, approximately 1330 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2438L, registered to Aero Technicians, Inc., and being flown by a student pilot on a supervised solo flight, dragged the left main wheel in snow during a go-around on runway 16 at the Dubois Municipal Airport, Dubois, Idaho. The aircraft then decelerated, settling to the snow-covered runway surface, during which the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the student pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and a VFR flight plan had been filed. The flight was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Rexburg, Idaho, approximately 1050, on the morning of the accident.

The student pilot, after landing first at Pocatello, then Arco, proceeded to Dubois where he found the airport snow covered. He then "decided to do a fly-by (as a missed landing) about 20'-15' above the runway." He further reported that "I thought I could see the approach lights. (Later I figured out it was sun reflection)," and that when "I got to the transition point I applied full power and pulled the yoke back. Almost instantly, as the plane rotated, I felt drag as a wheel caught in the snow."

The Dubois Municipal airport is served by a 4,600 foot long unlighted, turf runway. The Airport/Facility Directory effective at the time of the accident advised the reader that "no winter maintenance" was available at the airport (refer to ATTACHMENT I). Additionally, an informational diagram of the Dubois airport, which was Xeroxed on the back side of the student's flight planner log for the accident trip advised that the "airport is closed from November to April because of snow" (refer to attached Airport Chart).

The student pilot reported to the investigator-in-charge that he had reviewed the intended route of flight, including the Dubois airport, with his flight instructor approximately one week before the mishap. He also reported that there was no malfunction of the aircraft, its systems or powerplant during the accident.