No fatalities

24 Dec 2008: CESSNA 140 — Highmore, SD

Highmore, SD, United States

On 24 Dec 2008, a CESSNA 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Highmore, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the flare while landing in deep snow. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to a private landing strip, the airplane ballooned and landed angled. The right wheel contacted 10-12 inches of snow, causing the aircraft to nose over. Damage included a bent rudder and bent vertical stabilizer.

Approach and Ballooning

The pilot reported that during the approach to his private landing strip, the airplane ballooned. According to the pilot, when the airplane came back down, it was angled about 20 degrees from the runway centerline.

Runway Edge and Snow Contact

The pilot stated that at this point there was less than 100 feet to the edge of the runway, and the right wheel contacted snow approximately 10 to 12 inches deep. He described that the deep snow "pulled [him] in" and the airplane nosed over.

Damage

The damage to the airplane consisted of a bent rudder and a bent vertical stabilizer.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation