On March 22, 1996, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5169X) operated by Eric J. Brinegar was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing a wheel-equipped airplane on a snow-covered taxiway designated for ski-equipped aircraft experienced a nose-over while taxiing. The pilot had chosen the taxiway over a runway with icy patches.
Incident Overview
A pilot landed a wheel-equipped airplane on a snow-covered portion of a taxiway that had been designated for ski-equipped airplanes. The pilot stated that he chose to land there instead of on the adjoining runway because the runway had patches of ice interspersed with clear pavement. The aircraft touched down without incident.
Taxiing and Nose-Over
While still on the ski strip and taxiing toward parking, the tailwheel began to dig into the snow. The pilot reported that he applied additional power in an attempt to lift the tailwheel free from the snow and increase his taxi speed. As a result, the airplane's left main landing gear wheel subsequently dug into the soft snow, causing the airplane to nose over.
Response and Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position on the taxiway. No further details were provided regarding damage or occupant status.