Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to land on a snow-covered airstrip with a tundra tire-equipped airplane, which resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tundra tire- and tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while on the flight back to his home airport, he decided to land on a snow-covered airstrip. He flew over the landing area three times before deciding on the fourth pass to attempt a full-stop landing. During the touchdown of the three-point landing, he realized the snow was deeper than he had expected, and the airplane decelerated rapidly. The pilot increased power, but the airplane continued to sink in the snow. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and slid to a stop inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while on the flight back to his home airport, he decided to land on a snow-covered airstrip. The pilot further reported that he flew over the landing area three times before deciding on the fourth pass to attempt a full stop landing. During the touchdown of the 3-point landing, he realized the snow was deeper than he had expected and the airplane decelerated rapidly. The pilot reported that he increased power, but the airplane continued to sink in the snow. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and slid to a stop inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its empennage. The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.