What happened
During the approach phase of flight, the aircraft descended toward the traffic pattern altitude. As the pilot prepared for landing, the throttle was advanced in an attempt to maintain power or execute a go-around; however, the engine did not respond to the input. This indicated a sudden loss of propulsion.
As the aircraft flared for landing without engine power, the pilot dealt with significant sun glare which likely impaired visibility. The aircraft drifted to the right side of the runway centerline during this critical phase. Consequently, the main gear touched down in a snow bank rather than on the paved surface. The nose gear subsequently dug into the snow, causing the aircraft to flip over onto its back.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage due to the impact with the ground and the subsequent rollover. The engine failure occurred prior to touchdown, contributing directly to the inability to maintain controlled flight or execute a missed approach.
Findings
The sequence of events was driven by multiple factors. The primary mechanical issue was the unresponsive engine during the critical descent phase. Environmental conditions played a role, specifically the sun glare which affected the pilot's ability to judge altitude and position accurately. Additionally, the presence of snow on the ground altered the landing dynamics, causing the nose gear to dig in and flip the aircraft.
The certified pilot and the passenger were uninjured despite the substantial damage to the airframe. The incident highlights the dangers of engine failure during approach combined with visual impairment from glare and adverse surface conditions.