Piper PA-18-150 N2553S accident near Elrosa, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control after touchdown on a snow-covered runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot elected to attempt a landing in a snow-covered field. The tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down on the main wheels in a "tail low" attitude. The pilot did not initially realize that the snow was too soft and deep. He added full power and pulled back on the stick, but he was unable to prevent the airplane from nosing over. It slid for approximately 7 feet before coming to rest. After the accident, the pilot determined that the snow was about 14 inches deep. He commented that although the airplane was equipped with large diameter tires, the snow was too deep. He reported that there were no malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane prior to the accident. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged when the airplane nosed over.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA130 for the full record.