What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-11 involved a Cessna 150E, registration N3088J, at Princeton, MO.

Aircraft Noses Over on Snow Drift During Night Landing (N3088J)

On January 11, 2004, a Cessna 150E (registration N3088J) was involved in an aviation accident near Princeton, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The encounter with the unknown snow drifts during landing. The factors were the snow drifts, night, and the airport's failure to issue a NOTAM on the runway conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An airplane nosed over during a night landing after contacting a snow drift, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported loss of control due to wheel deceleration. No NOTAM was issued for runway snow conditions.

Accident Details

The airplane sustained substantial damage after nosing over upon contacting a snow drift during a night landing. The pilot reported approximately 6 to 8 inches of snow on the runway at the time of the accident.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that during the approach, the airspeed was 60 knots with three notches of flaps. On touchdown, the wheels seemed to decelerate, pulling the nose wheel down and also decelerating. The pilot then lost directional control, and the airplane veered left. About 150 feet later, the aircraft flipped tail over nose at the runway edge. After exiting, the pilot observed snow depths of 6 to 8 inches at the accident site at 1830 PM.

Runway Condition

The airport did not issue a notice to airmen (NOTAM) to the Flight Service Station regarding the snow conditions on the runway at the time of the accident.

Mechanical Status

No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot in connection with the flight.

2004-01-11: Cessna 150E (N3088J) — Princeton, MO