Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to land on an unmaintained runway surface, which resulted in a loss of control and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that on his third pass over the “unplowed” runway, he allowed the main wheels to touch down on the snow. Subsequently, the nosewheel impacted the snow, “folded back”, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA017 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 5, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kasilof, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Kasilof (5KS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N23RB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.