Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control while landing on a patchy snow-covered runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the landing roll on a patchy snow-covered runway, he lost directional control when the airplane contacted a patch of snow. The airplane nosed over and came to rest in the inverted position. The airplane’s vertical fin and one wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA160 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 18, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- South Fork, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Morning Shadow (CD69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N56180
- 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.