Pilot Reports Nose-Over Landing in Deeper-Than-Expected Snow

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that while approaching the destination airport, he decided to land so passengers could use the airport's facilities. Visual cues, including sprigs of grass, led him to believe the runway had a snow layer several inches deep. Following a stabilized approach, the airplane touched down in the snow, suddenly stopped, and nosed over inverted. After exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that the snow was actually over 1 foot deep. The wing spar sustained damage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot stated that because he could not confirm the snow cover depth, he should not have attempted to land at that airport. The aircraft came to rest inverted after the nose-over, and the occupants egressed without further incident. The pilot provided the account in a written statement and telephone conversations with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator.