The pilot of the Darby Dard 1 told investigators that during approach to the snow-covered runway at the airport in Anchorage, Alaska, the runway end lights were off, making it difficult to see the runway.
He lined up on what he perceived to be the runway centerline and noted ski tracks to the right of his position. After a normal touchdown, he increased power for a touch-and-go, however he noticed the skis bogged down into the soft snow. There was a sudden deceleration, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder.
After landing he realized he had misidentified the runway and landed in softer snow in an area between the runway and taxiway.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing in soft snow, resulting in a nose over.
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This March 2024 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.
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