What happened
During the landing phase, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind while on short final approach. At approximately 15 feet above ground level, the pilot experienced a loss of airspeed. Instead of adding power to maintain flight energy, the pilot raised the aircraft's nose to an attitude that obstructed the view of the runway.
The landing occurred to the left of the designated runway surface, with the aircraft touching down in snow that was one foot deep. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final approach and landing. Key findings included the failure to add power when airspeed was lost and the decision to raise the nose attitude despite the inability to see the runway. The presence of deep snow at the touchdown point contributed to the aircraft's final resting position.
Findings
- Loss of airspeed due to a gust of wind on short final.
- Pilot failed to add power to compensate for the airspeed loss.
- Nose raised to an attitude where the runway was no longer visible.
- Landing occurred off the runway in 1 foot deep snow.
- Aircraft came to rest inverted during the landing roll.