On January 17, 2007, a Cessna 120 (registration N1670V) was involved in an aviation accident near LA Salle, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during a low pass over a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the wheels contacting the ground and the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying too low over a snow-covered runway contacted the ground with the wheels, causing the aircraft to nosed over and sustain structural damage.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting a low pass over the airstrip, a maneuver intended to visually inspect the runway surface conditions. During this operation, the aircraft descended below a safe altitude. The landing gear wheels made contact with the deep snow on the ground, which caused the airplane to pitch forward and come to rest on its nose.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft was conducted to assess the extent of the damage resulting from the incident. The inspection revealed significant structural deformation consistent with the forces generated during the nose-over event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during a low pass over a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the wheels contacting the ground and the airplane nosing over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Jan 2007 Cessna 120 accident near LA Salle, CO?
A pilot flying too low over a snow-covered runway contacted the ground with the wheels, causing the aircraft to nosed over and sustain structural damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 2007 Cessna 120 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jan 2007 involved a Cessna 120, registration N1670V, at LA Salle, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during a low pass over a snow-covered runway, which resulted in the wheels contacting the ground and the airplane nosing over.
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