The pilot of the wheel-equipped Cessna 172 reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip in Juneau, Alaska, he misjudged the surface condition.
He added that, as the nose gear touched down, the wheel broke through the snow and the airplane turned sideways and then nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA119
This February 2018 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.
