This January 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: None. Location: Elrosa, Minn. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land in a snow-covered field. The tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down on the main wheels in a tail low attitude. The pilot did not realize that the snow was too soft and deep for a landing until it was too late. He added power and pulled back on the stick in an attempt to keep the airplane from nosing over, but was unsuccessful. The plane flipped on to its back and slid 7 feet. After the accident, the pilot determined that the snow was about 14 inches deep.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inability to maintain control after touchdown on a deep snow.
For more information: NTSB.gov