What happened
The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight. The student pilot initiated an approach that was characterized by excessive airspeed and a steep descent angle. Upon contact with the runway surface, the aircraft bounced significantly. The initial touchdown involved both the right main gear and the nose gear, resulting in a hard impact.
Following the bounce, the aircraft touched down a second time while drifting to the left. This lateral deviation caused the aircraft to leave the paved runway surface. As the pilot attempted to apply power to regain control or clear the obstacle, the left landing gear struck a snowbank. The resistance from the snowbank, combined with the applied engine power, forced the nose gear into the snow, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and come to rest on its nose.
The investigation
The examination of the accident site and the aircraft revealed that the primary damage resulted from the ground impact sequence. The left landing gear was compromised after striking a snowbank off the runway. The nose gear sustained significant stress as it impacted the snow during the recovery attempt, leading to the final rest position of the aircraft on its nose.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident. The pilot's decision to execute a steep and fast approach set the stage for the loss of control. The subsequent bounce indicated a failure to maintain proper pitch attitude and airspeed during the flare. The departure from the runway was exacerbated by the lateral drift, which placed the aircraft in an unprepared surface condition. The final nosing over was a direct result of the interaction between the applied power and the obstruction presented by the snowbank.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that approaches are stabilized and within normal parameters for the aircraft type. Excessive speed or steepness during the final approach can lead to hard landings and bounces, which may cause loss of directional control. Pilots should be aware of runway conditions, including snowbanks, and avoid departing the paved surface. If a bounce occurs, pilots should follow manufacturer recommendations for go-around procedures rather than attempting to force the aircraft back down or recover while drifting.