Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after striking a snow berm and nosing over during a low pass over a snow-covered runway. The pilot reported that the incident occurred while evaluating runway conditions.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the airplane descended to approximately 4 ft above ground level during a low pass intended to assess the snow-covered runway. While at that altitude, the airplane encountered a crosswind from the left, prompting the pilot to execute a slip to maintain alignment over the runway. Despite this corrective action, the airplane continued to descend, and the left main landing gear struck a snow berm. The impact caused the airplane to strike the runway and subsequently nose over.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the rudder, and the horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Comments
The pilot remarked that he should have followed the advice he gives his students—maintaining an altitude of 300 ft above airports when performing a flyover. The pilot also stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Investigation
No further analysis or findings were provided in the source.