Casualties unknown

2005-03-11: Cessna 172A (N4682G) — West Valley Flying Club — Emigrant Gap, CA

Emigrant Gap, CA, US

On March 11, 2005, a Cessna 172A (registration N4682G) operated by West Valley Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Emigrant Gap, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his selection of an unsuitable landing area, resulting in an encounter with a snow-covered runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane nosed over during a touch-and-go landing on a snow-covered runway, coming to rest inverted with damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot had not read the airport's remarks indicating winter closure.

Accident Details

The airplane nosed over during a touch-and-go landing on a snow-covered runway. After coming to rest inverted, the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Pilot Actions

Prior to landing, the pilot flew over the airport three times. He observed that one end of the runway was visible, while the remaining three-quarters of the runway was covered in snow. Visually, the snow did not appear deep. Based on reported winds, the pilot decided to perform a touch-and-go on the snow-covered portion of the runway. During touchdown, the landing gear entered the snow, and the airplane nosed over.

Airport Information

The Airport Facility Directory Southwest (AFD/SW) included a remark stating, "CLOSED winters due to snow." The pilot reported that he reviewed the AFD/SW but did not read the "Remarks" section.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050405X00416. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.