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Casualties unknown

Pilot Nosed Over Aircraft on Snow-Covered Airstrip (N3854M)

White Bear Lake, MN, US

On February 2, 1993, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3854M) operated by Dorn, Earl D. was involved in an aviation accident near White Bear Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that his aircraft nosed over after decelerating and sinking into hard-packed snow on a runway with eight inches of accumulation.

What happened

The pilot described the events leading to the accident while landing on a snow-covered airstrip. Upon touchdown, the surface appeared to be hard-packed snow. As the airplane began to decelerate, it started to sink into the snowpack. This loss of traction and support caused the aircraft to nosed over.

The investigation

Federal Aviation Administration personnel inspected the site after the incident. They confirmed that there were eight inches of snow on the runway at the time of the event.

Findings

The pilot acknowledged that the accident resulted from a poor decision regarding landing conditions. He noted that despite thirty-eight years of flying experience, this incident represented one of those times when bad judgment was exercised.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Feb 1993 Piper PA-12 accident near White Bear Lake, MN?

A pilot reported that his aircraft nosed over after decelerating and sinking into hard-packed snow on a runway with eight inches of accumulation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N3854M, operated by Dorn, Earl D., at White Bear Lake, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11797. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.