Summary
On March 09, 2019, a Piper PA18 (N4100Z) was involved in an accident near Pullman, WA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
The pilot of the tailwheel, ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off airport, on a snow-covered ridge, the back of the right ski struck about a 6" tall, firm snow drift. The right ski then pitched forward, the tip dug into the "crusty" snow, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA159. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4100Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel, ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off airport, on a snow-covered ridge, the back of the right ski struck about a 6" tall, firm snow drift. The right ski then pitched forward, the tip dug into the "crusty" snow, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and lift strut.
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# GAA19CA159