Flight Planning and Route
The student pilot reviewed the intended route of flight, including the Dubois airport, prior to departing on a solo cross-country flight from Rexburg. The flight itinerary included landings at Pocatello and Arco before proceeding to Dubois.
Conditions at Dubois Airport
Upon arrival at Dubois, the pilot found the airport and its single runway (16/34) covered with snow. According to the Airport/Facility Directory effective at the time of the accident, no winter maintenance was available. Additionally, an informational diagram of the Dubois airport, which was reproduced on the back of the student's flight planner log for the trip, stated that the airport was closed from November to April because of snow.
The Fly-By Attempt
The student decided to perform a fly-by, describing it as a missed landing, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 15 feet above the runway. As the aircraft reached the transition point, the pilot applied full power and pulled the yoke back. Almost instantly, the pilot felt drag as a wheel caught in the snow. The aircraft decelerated while rolling through the snow, and the nose gear collapsed.