On October 19, 1994, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N97821) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. SNOW COVERED TERRAIN IN THE LANDING AREA WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped aircraft on a glacier to retrieve hunting gear encountered unexpected snow depth, causing the plane to nose over during the rollout.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft equipped with tundra tires for a return flight to a glacier location where they had previously landed. The primary objective of this trip was to pick up hunting equipment. Upon touching down on the glacier surface, the pilot discovered that approximately six to eight inches of fresh snow had accumulated, covering the intended landing area. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft's nose lowered significantly, resulting in a nosing-over incident.
The investigation
The factual narrative indicates that the landing occurred on a glacier surface. The presence of new snow was identified as a key factor during the rollout phase of the flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Oct 1994 Stinson 108-2 accident near Palmer, AK?
A pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped aircraft on a glacier to retrieve hunting gear encountered unexpected snow depth, causing the plane to nose over during the rollout.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Oct 1994 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N97821, at Palmer, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. SNOW COVERED TERRAIN IN THE LANDING AREA WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…
