No fatalities

6 Jan 2010: CESSNA 182J — Clint Vanderhoof — Metaline Falls, WA

Metaline Falls, WA, United States

On 6 Jan 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

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