CESSNA A150M
Grass Valley, CA — February 27, 2011
Event Information
| Date | February 27, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA148 |
| Event ID | 20110227X70413 |
| Location | Grass Valley, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.22111, -121.00195 |
| Airport | Nevada County Air Park |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | A150M |
| 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 aircraft's encounter with deep snow during the landing roll out. Contributing to the accident was the airport manager's failure to update the AWOS recording to reflect the closure of the runway due to snow.
Full Narrative
Upon entering into the airport environment, the pilot observed a snow covered runway. He obtained an automated weather observation report (AWOS) for the non-towered airport, with no indication on the recording that the runway was closed. Shortly after touchdown, as the airplane began its roll out, the landing gear entered an area of 12-inch-deep snow and the airplane nosed over. After exiting the airplane, the pilot spoke to the airport manager who informed him that due to a power outage in the area, he had not been able to update the AWOS recording informing pilots of the runway closure due to snow. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and to both wings. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical abnormalities 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.