PIPER PA-18-150
Elrosa, MN — January 10, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 10, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA130 |
| Event ID | 20090113X70250 |
| Location | Elrosa, MN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.56250, -94.94778 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-18-150 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control after touchdown on a snow-covered runway.
Full Narrative
The pilot elected to attempt a landing at a field. The tail wheel equipped airplane touched down on the main wheels in a "tail low" attitude. The pilot did not initially realize that the snow was too soft and deep. He added full power and pulled back on the stick, but he was unable to prevent the airplane from nosing over. It slid for approximately 7 feet before coming to rest. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged when the airplane nosed over. After the accident, the pilot determined that the snow was about 14 inches deep. He commented that although the airplane was equipped with large diameter tires, the snow was too deep. He reported that there were no malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane prior to the accident.
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.