Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain alignment with the runway while landing and executing a go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot flared high, and the airplane bounced during the landing attempt. The initial touchdown was 10-12 feet right of the runway centerline. The pilot applied power to initiate a go-around, and the airplane continued to drift right as it lifted off. The airplane's right main wheel was approximately 1 foot right of the runway edge when the right wing struck a pile of ice and snow.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 17, 2008, at 1400 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N5481T, veered of the runway and struck a snow bank at Kalispell City Airport, Kalispell, Montana. The private pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and single passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell, about 1345. The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that while landing at Kalispell City Airport, he flared high and bounced during the landing attempt. The airplanes initial touchdown was 10-12 feet right of the runway centerline. The pilot applied power to initiate a go-around. The airplane's right main wheel was approximately 1 foot right of the runway edge when the right wing struck a pile of ice and snow.