Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, which resulted in a nose over after the main landing gear wheels broke through deep snow on the snow-covered runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructor pilot of the tundra tire-equipped airplane reported that, during a touch-and-go maneuver on a snow-covered runway, the airplane decelerated rapidly as the main landing gear wheels touched down into the deep snow, and he was unable to perform the go around maneuver. The airplane subsequently nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the wing lift struts and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.