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Casualties unknown

Nose-Over After Landing Short of Runway in Snow (N767C)

Chugiak, AK, US

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.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1991 Stinson 108 accident near Chugiak, AK?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1991 involved a Stinson 108, registration N767C, operated by Hansen, Christian F., at Chugiak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18534. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.