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Pilot Reports Snow Depth as Cause of Nose-Over During Landing (N2396D)

Chickaloon, AK, US

On May 7, 2006, a Cessna 170B (registration N2396D) operated by Mark Svabik was involved in an aviation accident near Chickaloon, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snow on the runway. 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 on a personal cross-country flight reported that snow depth caused the main landing gear to break through the surface crust, resulting in a nose-over and damage to the vertical tail and wingtip.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a personal cross-country flight under 14 CFR Part 91 elected to land en route at an airport where he had previously landed. During the approach, he flew over the landing area and assessed that the snow on the runway was not significantly deep, based on the lack of snow surrounding the runway.

Sequence of Events

Approaching the end of the landing roll, the airplane's main landing gear wheels broke through the surface crust of snow, causing the airplane to nose over. In a written statement to the NTSB dated May 19, the pilot reported that the airplane sustained damage to the vertical tail and wingtip.

Pilot Report

The pilot further stated that the snow was 6 inches deep and described it as "the root of the problem."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 2006 Cessna 170B accident near Chickaloon, AK?

A pilot on a personal cross-country flight reported that snow depth caused the main landing gear to break through the surface crust, resulting in a nose-over and damage to the vertical tail and wingtip.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 2006 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 2006 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2396D, operated by Mark Svabik, at Chickaloon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the snow on the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060621X00787. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.