On 24 Apr 2018, a BROWN JOSEPH SPORTSMAN GS-2 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Kalispell, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable snow-covered airstrip for landing, which resulted in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during a landing roll on a snow-covered airstrip, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot had attempted a go-around after the airplane began sinking into snow.
Incident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a nose-over during a landing on a snow-covered airstrip. The pilot had been en route when he decided to land to inspect the elevator trim. Multiple passes over the airstrip led him to believe the snow was about 2 to 3 inches deep.
Landing and Nose-Over
During the landing roll, the airplane slowed and began to sink into the snow. The pilot attempted to go around, but the airplane nosed over as a result. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The incident appears to be related to the snow conditions rather than any mechanical issue.