No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over After Tire Digs into Snow on Unimproved Airstrip

Yentna, AK, United States

On December 18, 2017, a PIPER PA22 108 was involved in an aviation accident near Yentna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip after the left main tire dug into snow, causing the aircraft to veer left and sink into softer snow. The right wing sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported an accident while landing on an unimproved, snow-covered airstrip. According to the pilot, during the landing rollout, the left main tire dug into the snow, causing the airplane to veer left. The aircraft then sank into softer snow off the left side of the airstrip and subsequently nosed over.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the accident.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotDecision related to condition

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation