On November 15, 2007, an American Champion (acac) 8GCBC (registration N439MA) operated by Ryan J. Nelson was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged touchdown point during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot struck a snow berm during landing on a snow-covered runway at dusk, causing the aircraft to nose over. Post-accident examination revealed asymmetric runway edge marker placement.
Introduction
A commercial pilot experienced an accident while landing on a snow-covered runway during dusk. The pilot reported that after touchdown, the aircraft's right wheel struck a snow berm located on the right side of the runway, leading the airplane to nose over.
Accident Details
The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing lift strut and the empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot did not report any injuries.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination revealed that the runway edge markers on the right side of the runway were situated 28 feet to the right of the runway centerline. In contrast, the runway edge markers on the left side of the runway were situated 16 feet to the left of the runway centerline. The asymmetry in marker placement may have contributed to the aircraft's right wheel contacting the snow berm, though the source does not explicitly state this as a cause.