Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA119

Juneau, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N271BJ

CESSNA 172

Analysis

The pilot of the wheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, he misjudged the surface condition. He added that, as the nose gear touched down, the wheel broke through the snow and that the airplane turned sideways and then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield and both wings. 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 of the wheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, he misjudged the surface condition. He added that, as the nose gear touched down the wheel broke through the snow, turned sideways, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield and both wings. 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 selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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