FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Pilot Diverts to Snow-Covered Air Park, Nose Over During Landing (N57534)

Glade Park, CO, US

On January 8, 2004, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N57534) was involved in an aviation accident near Glade Park, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision. Contributing factors include the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and the 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot diverted to a local air park due to low clouds and visibility at the destination airport. During landing on a snow-covered field, the main landing gear sank in deep snow, causing the airplane to nosed over and sustain substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot diverted from the intended destination airport to a nearby air park after encountering low clouds and reduced visibility. The field at the air park was snow-covered, with some areas showing vegetation through the snow and bare ground from snowmobile tracks.

Sequence of Events

While circling for landing, the pilot observed the snow-covered field but noted visible vegetation and bare ground where snowmobiles had made turns. The pilot proceeded with the landing. During the landing roll, the main landing gear sank into deep snow, causing the airplane to nosed over.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the nosed over event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jan 2004 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. During landing on a snow-covered field, the main landing gear sank in deep snow, causing the airplane to nosed over and sustain substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jan 2004 Piper PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jan 2004 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N57534, at Glade Park, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision. Contributing factors include the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and the snow covered terrain.

More accident analyses

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.