CESSNA 180
Tyonek, AK — January 30, 2017
Event Information
| Date | January 30, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA134 |
| Event ID | 20170208X65750 |
| Location | Tyonek, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.22000, -152.16000 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
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.
Full 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.
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.