What happened
On March 25, 2018, a Cessna 182P, registration LN-ULF, was conducting a private flight from Skien Airport Geiteryggen to Femunden in Hedmark, Norway. The flight included the pilot and two passengers. Prior to arrival, the pilot confirmed with the Elgå fjellstue that the runway, which had been cleared of snow onto the ice, was available for use.
Upon approaching the runway, the pilot noted that overcast conditions and flat, white light made it difficult to discern specific details on the surface, though twigs had been placed to mark the runway edges. The aircraft landed slightly to the right of the centerline. As the aircraft slowed, the right main wheel entered deeper snow, causing the plane to veer further to the right. The aircraft eventually rotated approximately 70 degrees to the right and tipped over, causing the left wing and propeller to strike the runway surface. There were no injuries to the three occupants.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the aircraft, the site, and the pilot's actions. The investigation focused on the runway conditions, the visibility of the runway boundaries, and the pilot's approach procedures. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the specific challenges posed by landing on unpaved, snow-covered surfaces.
Findings
- The aircraft landed off-center, which led the right main wheel into deeper snow.
- The pilot lost directional control due to the slippery combination of snow and ice.
- Overcast conditions and "flat" lighting obscured the visual details of the runway surface.
- The actual usable width of the runway was narrower than the area marked by the twigs.
- The pilot acknowledged that performing a low approach or flyover prior to landing could have provided a better understanding of the runway width and snow conditions.