Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA052

Skwentna, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N2661Q

CESSNA 182

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, about 10 to 15 mph, he allowed the nosewheel to settle in the snow. Subsequently, the nosewheel 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.

Factual Information

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.

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.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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