Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to land on an unmaintained runway surface, which resulted in a loss of control and nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that on his third pass over the “unplowed” runway, he allowed the main wheels to touch down on the snow. Subsequently, the nosewheel impacted the snow, “folded back”, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.