Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged altitude while landing in bright sunlight on an airstrip surrounded by snow, resulting in an undershoot and a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he was practicing takeoffs and landings on a grass airstrip. He said snow had been removed from the center of the grass airstrip, but not the surrounding area. During his approach to land, bright sunlight reflected off the snow that made him lose his depth perception. The airplane touched down short of the runway, nosing over in deep snow. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on a grass airstrip. He said snow had been removed from the center of the grass airstrip, but not the surrounding area. During his approach to land, he said bright sunlight reflected off the snow made him lose his depth perception, and the airplane touched down short of the runway, nosing over in deep snow. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings.