Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's misjudgment of the runway surface firmness, which resulted in a nose-over during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that after overflying the snow-covered runway he determined that it was suitable to land on. His determination was based in part on observing snowmobile tracks on the runway, which indicated to him that the surface was firm enough to land on. After touching down he held the nose wheel off the ground with full aft elevator pressure, but when he lowered the nose wheel onto the snow-covered surface the airplane pitched down violently. The airplane subsequently traveled for about 80 feet in the nose down attitude before it abruptly nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and rudder. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane that would have precluded its normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA060