Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to land on a snow-covered runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he did not call the destination airport for airport conditions. Upon arrival, he flew over the snow-covered runway to check the runway surface. He noted snowmobile tracks and patches of grass through the snow. After touching down, the airplane rolled for about 250 feet before the tires sunk into the snow. The airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back. The airplane’s right wing struts, vertical stabilizer, rudder and both wing tips were bent.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he flew over the snow covered runway and observed the windsock, which indicated zero wind. After touching down, the airplane rolled for about 250 feet before the airplane’s tires sunk into the snow. The airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back. The airplane’s right wing struts, vertical stabilizer, rudder and both wing tips were bent.