Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the flare while landing in deep snow.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during approach to his private landing strip, the airplane ballooned. He stated that when the airplane came back down it was angled about 20 degrees from the runway centerline. He said that at this point there was less than 100 feet to the edge of the runway and the right wheel contacted snow about 10 to 12 inches deep. He stated that the deep snow "pulled [him] in" and that the airplane then nosed over. The damage to the airplane consisted of a bent rudder and a bent vertical stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA112 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 24, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Highmore, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Quirk Field (Private) (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N89418
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.