Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land with a tailwind on the snow- and ice-covered runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the accident occurred when the flight was returning to the airport after a local flight. He stated that he checked the windsock and it showed that the winds were favoring runway 18, but he decided to land on runway 36. The grass runway was covered with snow and ice. The pilot stated that he was unable to slow the airplane down during the landing roll and the airplane nosed over after contacting a snowbank at the end of the runway. The pilot stated that only half the length of the runway was plowed. He chose runway 36 so he would not have to turn around and back taxi on the runway to get to the hangar, which was at the north end of the airport. The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported the accident occurred when returning to the airport after a local flight. He stated he checked the windsock and it showed that the winds were favoring runway 18, but he decided to land on runway 36. The grass runway was covered with snow and ice. The pilot stated that he was unable to slow the airplane down during the landing roll. The airplane nosed over after contacting a snowbank at the end of the runway. The pilot stated they used a cell phone to call for help and the airplane had to be lifted in order for them to get out of it. The pilot stated that only half the length of the runway was plowed. He chose runway 36 so he would not have to turn around and back taxi on the runway to get to the hangar which was at the north end of the airport. The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.