CESSNA 140
Markleeville, CA — January 17, 2017
Event Information
| Date | January 17, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA118 |
| Event ID | 20170119X64022 |
| Location | Markleeville, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.71695, -119.74500 |
| Airport | ALPINE COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 140 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low pass and the subsequent impact with a snow berm, which resulted in a nosed-over.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during a low pass to evaluate the snow-covered runway, the airplane descended to 4 ft above ground level. The airplane encountered a crosswind from the left, and the pilot accomplished a "slip to remain over the runway". However, the airplane descended and the left main landing gear struck a snow berm and the airplane struck the runway and nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the rudder, and the horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot asserted that he should have practiced what he teaches his students, and stayed 300 ft. above airports when performing a fly over.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.