Training Flight Noses Over After Low Pass on Snowy Runway

Incident

During an instructional flight, the student pilot was performing a low pass over a snow-covered runway when the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The downdraft caused a decrease in airspeed and an increase in the descent rate. The flight instructor reported that he was too relaxed and should have added power at that moment, but did not. As a result, the airplane's wheels made contact with the snow, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.