Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Snow covered terrain in the landing area was a factor in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing a tundra tire equipped airplane on a glacier to pick up hunting equipment. This was a return flight to an area where the pilot had landed previously. Upon landing, the pilot realized that 6 to 8 inches of new snow was covering the landing area. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 19, 1994, at 1400 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Stinson, 108-2 airplane, N97821, registered to and operated by the pilot, nosed over during landing at the base of the Marcus Baker Glacier located near Palmer, Alaska. The personal flight departed Birchwood, Alaska, and the destination was the accident site. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. According to the pilot, he was returning to the site to pick up some hunting gear. He stated that upon landing he realized that there was at least 6 to 8 inches of new snow on the landing area. His tire size was 900 X 6. During the landing roll the airplane nosed over onto its back. -