Nikolai, AK, USA
N1386A
PIPER PA 18-125
The pilot reported that he had completed one high- and two low-reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra-tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Before landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow. He said that, as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose-over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot said that he had completed one high and two low reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Prior to landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow, a maneuver commonly known as dragging the landing site. He said that as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have utilized a flatter approach with increased airspeed similar to a glassy water approach while dragging the airstrip.
The pilot’s improper decision to contact an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose-over.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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