On January 6, 2010, a CESSNA 182J operated by Clint Vanderhoof was involved in an aviation accident near Metaline Falls, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a closed, snow-covered runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot landed on a closed, snow-covered airstrip; the nose gear broke through crusted snow, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain substantial damage.
Incident Details
A private pilot was landing a wheel-equipped airplane on a remote, seasonal airstrip that was covered with snow and closed at the time of the incident. According to the pilot's report, during touchdown, the nose gear broke through the 5-6 inches of crusted snow present on the runway. This caused the airplane to nose over.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and wings. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.
Airport Information
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory entry for the airport noted that the airport was unattended and closed from October 1 through June 1 each year. The incident occurred during this closed period.
Contributing factors
PilotDecision related to condition
Related events
Same aircraft family
20 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 182P
12 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 182
20 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182S (Sundowners Inc.)
19 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182Q (Charles Kinard)
11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182 (Beta Flight LLC)
28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
20 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
11 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
7 May 2026 — CESSNA 182T (Top Flight Aviation INC)
4 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
3 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Jan 2010 CESSNA 182J accident near Metaline Falls, WA?
A private pilot landed on a closed, snow-covered airstrip; the nose gear broke through crusted snow, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jan 2010 CESSNA 182J accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jan 2010 involved a CESSNA 182J, operated by Clint Vanderhoof, at Metaline Falls, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a closed, snow-covered runway.
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