SEA96LA049

the pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from terrain during the landing flare. Factors contributing to the accident were the snowbank, fog, and the pilot's complacent attitude.

The non-instrument rated private pilot stated that the visibility near his destination was reduced due to fog, but he thought he had enough visibility to land on runway 3. As he entered the base leg, he overshot the runway and attempted to correct. During the landing, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway, and the airplane was pulled into the ground. The left wing was torn off in the impact. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Under the 'Recommendation' section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot suggested 'avoid complacent attitude' to prevent the accident from occurring again.

On February 6, 1996, about 1337 mountain standard time, N9242C, a Piper PA-32-300, operated by the owner/pilot, struck a snowbank during landing in Heber City, Utah, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Another passenger received minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from Apple Valley, California, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. In a written statement to the Safety Board, the pilot reported that the visibility near his destination at the Heber City Airport was reduced due to fog. He stated that he thought he had enough visibility to land on runway 3. As he entered the base leg, he overshot the runway and attempted to correct. During the landing, the left main landing gear struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway, and the airplane was pulled into the ground. The left wing was torn off in the impact. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Under the "Recommendations" section of NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot suggested "avoid complacent attitude." -