Casualties unknown

Aircraft Flips After Landing on Snow-Covered Runway at Closed Airport (N8669Z)

Tremonton, UT, US

On December 5, 1983, a Cessna P206C (registration N8669Z) operated by Mercury Air Courier Service was involved in an aviation accident near Tremonton, UT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Pilot unaware of NOTAM closing destination airport; nosewheel buried in 8-inch crusted snow, aircraft overturns at slow speed.

Background

The pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing and filed a flight plan, but did not request any Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). As a result, the pilot was unaware that the destination airport was closed, as indicated by a NOTAM, until after the flight had departed.

Approach and Landing

During arrival, the pilot reported discovering an unplowed runway that appeared to have been used. Observing several tire tracks in the snow-covered surface, the pilot assumed the runway was open. The airport had no control tower or UNICOM facility.

The pilot executed an approach configured for a soft-field landing with full flaps. The aircraft touched down on approximately 8 inches of crusted snow. Almost immediately after touchdown, the nosewheel became buried in the snow, despite the pilot applying full up-elevator control.

Outcome

As the aircraft decelerated to about 10 knots, it rolled over onto its top. The sequence of events ended with the aircraft inverted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1983 Cessna P206C accident near Tremonton, UT?

Pilot unaware of NOTAM closing destination airport; nosewheel buried in 8-inch crusted snow, aircraft overturns at slow speed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1983 involved a Cessna P206C, registration N8669Z, operated by Mercury Air Courier Service, at Tremonton, UT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.