Pilot Diverts to Snow-Covered Air Park; Aircraft Noses Over Upon Landing

Casualties unknown • Glade Park, CO, US

A pilot diverted to a local air park due to low clouds and visibility at the destination airport. While circling for landing, the field was noted as snow-covered with visible vegetation and bare ground from snowmobile activity.

What happened

The flight was initially destined for an airport where weather conditions deteriorated significantly. Due to low clouds and reduced visibility at the destination, the pilot made the decision to divert to a local air park instead.

While maneuvering in the pattern to land at this alternate location, the pilot observed that the runway surface was covered in snow. Despite the coverage, visual references were available; vegetation could be seen through the snowpack, and bare ground was visible where snowmobiles had previously made several turns, indicating some level of surface firmness.

During the final phase of the landing roll, the aircraft's main landing gear encountered deep snow that offered insufficient support. The wheels sank into the accumulation, causing the nose of the airplane to pitch downward violently. This nosing-over event resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a snow-covered surface with deep snow conditions, which caused the main landing gear to sink and the airplane to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-08 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Glade Park, CO?

A pilot diverted to a local air park due to low clouds and visibility at the destination airport. While circling for landing, the field was noted as snow-covered with visible vegetation and bare ground from snowmobile activity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-08 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N57534, at Glade Park, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land on a snow-covered surface with deep snow conditions, which caused the main landing gear to sink and the airplane to nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040202X00140. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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