Casualties unknown

Commercial Pilot Nose Over During Landing on Snow-Covered Frozen River (N7164B)

Willow, AK, US

On February 17, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7164B) was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were soft, snow covered terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane at a remote frozen river site nosed over after new snow slowed the landing roll. Damage occurred to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and left wing lift strut.

Background

The pilot, holding a commercial certificate, was operating a tundra tire-equipped airplane in a remote area adjacent to a frozen river. The previous day, the pilot had landed at the same location to assist a passenger in locating a lost snow machine.

Accident Sequence

On the day of the accident, approximately 4 to 6 inches of snow had fallen overnight in the area. The pilot landed the airplane on the same tracks used during the previous day's landing. During the landing roll, the new snow layer caused a dramatic deceleration, and the airplane nosed over.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the left wing lift strut.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20441. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.