On January 3, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N390BV) operated by Terry Lytle was involved in an aviation accident near Hayfork, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to attempt a landing on a snow covered runway without ascertaining the depth of the snow cover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a short-field landing on a snow-covered runway, snow accumulated in front of the nose wheel. The airplane nosed over; the propeller and wings struck the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.
Sequence of Events
The pilot executed a short-field landing on a snow-covered runway. Prior to touchdown, he observed tire tracks on the approach end of the runway. During the landing roll, snow accumulated in front of the nose wheel. Following this accumulation, the airplane nosed over. The propeller struck the ground, after which the left and right wings also made contact.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the airplane experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. He also reported that after landing, he realized the tire tracks he had seen were made by a vehicle, not an aircraft.
What happened in the 3 Jan 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Hayfork, CA?
During a short-field landing on a snow-covered runway, snow accumulated in front of the nose wheel. The airplane nosed over; the propeller and wings struck the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 2004 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jan 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N390BV, operated by Terry Lytle, at Hayfork, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to attempt a landing on a snow covered runway without ascertaining the depth of the snow cover.
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