On April 18, 1998, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N134C) was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the landing on a runway with insufficient stopping distance due to slushy snow conditions, which led to an aborted landing and subsequent collision with brush. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot attempted to abort a landing after discovering slushy snow on a short gravel runway, resulting in the aircraft striking brush and nosing over.
What happened
The private pilot was conducting an approach to land on a gravel runway measuring 1,000 feet in length and 30 feet in width. Upon initial touchdown, the pilot determined that the surface conditions were compromised by five to six inches of slushy snow. In response to these hazardous conditions, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to abort the landing.
During the departure phase, the airplane struck brush located at the departure end of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to nosed over, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the landing on a runway with insufficient stopping distance due to slushy snow conditions, which led to an aborted landing and subsequent collision with brush.