Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s decision to land on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, which resulted in the airplane coming to rest inverted.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow covered airstrip, he touched down in a configuration on the main landing gear "for a soft field landing". He added that, at about 10-15 miles per hour, he allowed the nose wheel to settle in the snow. Subsequently, the nose wheel broke through the crusted layer of snow and the airplane "lurched" forward coming to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded 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# GAA18CA052