On December 15, 1991, a Stinson 108 (registration N767C) operated by Hansen, Christian F. was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE DURING THE FINAL APPROACH. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE PERFORMING LANDINGS IN REDUCED LIGHT CONDITIONS, THE POOR LIGHT CONDITION AT DUSK, AND THE SNOW COVERED TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane touched down about 30 feet short of the runway in 2 feet of snow and nosed over. The pilot cited flat lighting conditions as contributing to a low approach. The accident occurred 50 minutes after sunset.
Accident Details
The airplane touched down approximately 30 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The landing area was covered with about two feet of snow. After touchdown, the airplane nosed over onto the runway. The pilot reported that flat lighting conditions led to a final approach altitude that was too low.
Pilot Information
The private pilot held a total of 430 flight hours. Of these, only 1.5 hours were accumulated as pilot-in-command at night. The accident occurred approximately 50 minutes after sunset.
Weather and Lighting Conditions
The pilot described the lighting conditions as flat, which he believed caused him to misjudge his altitude during the final approach. No other weather factors were reported in the source.