Cub Crafters CC-18-180 N413CC accident near Yukon Charlie River, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing site, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had completed one high to mid-level reconnaissance flight over the snow-covered runway in his tundra tire tailwheel-equipped airplane. Before landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow. As the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the snow, he stated it initially felt okay but also felt deeper than what he had anticipated. He applied full power and began to apply back stick pressure, but he felt the snow consistency change to a punchy feeling, and the airplane’s tail began to rise. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the rudder and right-wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA006 for the full record.