On March 3, 1996, a Cessna R172K (registration N2925V) was involved in an aviation accident near Garden Valley, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of the amount of snow on the runway, which led to the nose wheel digging in and the aircraft nosing over during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot estimated only three inches of snow on the runway before landing, but post-accident inspection revealed approximately fifteen inches, causing the nose wheel to dig in and the aircraft to nosed over.
What happened
The pilot executed a soft field landing approach on a runway covered with snow. Prior to the landing, the pilot made two passes over the runway surface and estimated that only about three inches of snow were present. During the landing roll, the nose wheel dug into the accumulated snow, causing the airplane to nosed over.
The investigation
Following the accident, an inspection of the runway revealed that approximately 15 inches of snow were on the surface, significantly more than the pilot had estimated during the pre-landing passes.
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of the amount of snow on the runway, which led to the nose wheel digging in and the aircraft nosing over during the landing roll.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Mar 1996 Cessna R172K accident near Garden Valley, ID?
The pilot estimated only three inches of snow on the runway before landing, but post-accident inspection revealed approximately fifteen inches, causing the nose wheel to dig in and the aircraft to nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N2925V, at Garden Valley, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's misjudgment of the amount of snow on the runway, which led to the nose wheel digging in and the aircraft nosing over during the landing roll.
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