On November 30, 1993, a Cessna A185F (registration N6613N) was involved in an aviation accident near Maybell, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on a runway covered with heavy, wet snow during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered rough air similar to wind shear while on final approach. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled a short distance before nosing over due to heavy, crusty snow on the runway.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering turbulent air conditions during the final approach phase of flight, describing the disturbance as resembling wind shear. Despite these challenging atmospheric conditions, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft until touchdown.
Upon landing, the airplane rolled a short distance along the runway surface before nosing over. Subsequent inspection revealed that the runway was obscured by seven to eight inches of snow. The pilot described the snow conditions as very wet, heavy, and crusty, which likely contributed to the loss of directional control after touchdown.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on a runway covered with heavy, wet snow during landing.