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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 31, 2020 · Cessna 172R · N949AF

Hope, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Hope, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 172R (1998)
Tail Number
N949AF
Operator
Elmendorf Air Force Base Aero Club
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA010

During an instructional flight, prior to landing, the pilots over flew the runway at pattern altitude to assess the runway conditions. The runway was observed snow-covered and appeared to have “recent tire track marks down the center of the runway”. The pilots chose to attempt a landing; however, during the touchdown, on the snow-covered runway, the main landing gear dug into the snow and the airplane decelerated rapidly. Subsequently, the nose-wheel entered the snow, “pivoting the airplane onto the nose”, and both wingtips struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport supplement remarks state: “Unattended. Be alert rwy condition not monitored. Recommend visual inspection prior to landing.” The flight instructor added that this accident could have been prevented by calling the airport and inquiring about the condition of the runway before the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the certified flight instructor’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.

Full Narrative

During an instructional flight, prior to landing, the pilots over flew the runway at pattern altitude to assess the runway conditions. The runway was observed snow-covered and appeared to have “recent tire track marks down the center of the runway”. The pilots chose to attempt a landing; however, during the touchdown, on the snow-covered runway, the main landing gear dug into the snow and the airplane decelerated rapidly. Subsequently, the nose-wheel entered the snow, “pivoting the airplane onto the nose”, and both wingtips struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport supplement remarks state: “Unattended. Be alert rwy condition not monitored. Recommend visual inspection prior to landing.” The flight instructor added that this accident could have been prevented by calling the airport and inquiring about the condition of the runway before the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 AKST
Nearest AirportHOPE (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length2040 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledMvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172R
Tail NumberN949AF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorElmendorf Air Force Base Aero Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · I0360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind350° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 F / 10 F
Altimeter29.71 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data