The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Aviat A-1C-180 told investigators that the intention of the flight was to fly over a friend’s property near Morgan, Utah, to determine how much snow had accumulated.
On a low approach without intent to land, the overcast sky and flat light made it difficult to determine his height above the field, and the airplane’s right wheel touched the soft snow and dug in.
The pilot attempted a go-around, however the left main tire then dug in.
He decided to land rather than lose directional control, however on rollout the airplane struck a snow drift that he could not see, and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, vertical fin, and rudder.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain while maneuvering at low attitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loss of visual reference due to snow and flat light conditions.
NTSB Identification: 106416
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This December 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
