The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Sportsman GS-2 reported that, while en route, he decided to land to inspect the elevator trim.
He made multiple passes over a snow-covered airstrip in Kalispell, Montana, and believed the snow to be about 2-3” deep.
During the landing roll, the airplane slowed and began to sink into the snow.
The pilot attempted to go around, but the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
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 an unsuitable snow-covered airstrip for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA240
This April 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.
About 50 years ago I flew a friend to St Louis Lambert so he could get back to the Marines in California. On the way he asked if we could stop at Litchfield to see a relative.
Sure. It was very cold and there had been a typical.Illinois snow that began as freezing rain. The wind was 20-25 knots out of the South. The snow was blown off the ea s t-west paved runway. The ice was clearly u visible.
I decided to examine the north-south grass strip. Making several low passes it looked OK. The grass was sticking up through the snow. I was flying a BEECH Musketeer Super. 200 up fixed tricycle
Unicom did not answer for a verbal runway report.
Made a soft field land and discovered the grass had not been mowed in months.
Applying full power it was obvious a takeoff was not possible. The snow was very light powder since it was sub-zero but it was also at least a foot deep.
The runway was very and I was able to keep it moving in a wide 180. Getting. nvmto the ramp the FBO just had not bothered to turn their Unicom on.
The plane was placed in the heated hanger and inspect. No damage. 😃
After a÷ing his grandmother the sun had melted ( sublimated )enough ice and the wind was less.
Back in the day GA could taxi and park at Gate 28 and passengers had a 50 foot walk to board the 121 carrier.