Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC20CA036

Soldotna, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N7023E

CESSNA 175

Analysis

The pilot reported that, on the day of the accident, about 6 inches of fresh snow covered the runway's surface. He added that, during the approach to land, he lined up with what he thought was the appropriate runway, slowed the airplane, and applied flaps. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel "dug" into the snow, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that he had unintentionally landed on the ski strip, which had accumulated about 2 ft of snow, and not the intended runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, the day of the accident about 6 inches of fresh snow covered the surface of the airport. He added that during the approach to land, he lined up with what he thought was the appropriate runway, slowed the airplane, and applied flaps. Upon touchdown in the wheel-equipped airplane, the nose wheel "dug" into the snow, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that he had unintentionally landed on the ski-strip which had accumulated about 24 inches of snow, and not the intended runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's unintentional selection of the wrong landing surface, which was covered with 2 ft of snow and resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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