Cessna 140 N5623C accident near Markleeville, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low pass and the subsequent impact with a snow berm, which resulted in a nosed-over.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during a low pass to evaluate the snow-covered runway, the airplane descended to 4 ft above ground level. The airplane encountered a crosswind from the left, and the pilot accomplished a "slip to remain over the runway." However, the airplane descended, and the left main landing gear struck a snow berm and the airplane struck the runway and nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the rudder, and the horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot asserted that he should have practiced what he teaches his students and stayed 300 ft above airports when performing a fly-over.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA118 for the full record.