Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN07CA052

La Salle, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N1670V

Cessna 120

Analysis

The pilot said he was "dragging" the airstrip, or flying low over the runway to ascertain its condition. He allowed the airplane to get too low. The wheels contacted the deep snow and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed a buckled right lift strut and a crushed vertical fin and rudder.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, he was "dragging" the snow covered airstrip, or flying low over the runway to ascertain its condition. He allowed the airplane to get too low. The wheels contacted the deep snow and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed a buckled right lift strut and a crushed vertical fin and rudder.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground. Contributing factors included the pilot's intentional low pass and his misjudging his altitude.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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