Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to land on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, which resulted in the airplane coming to rest inverted.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, he touched down in a configuration on the main landing gear "for a soft field landing." He added that, about 10 to 15 mph, he allowed the nosewheel to settle in the snow. Subsequently, the nosewheel broke through the crusted layer of snow, and the airplane "lurched" forward coming to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 28, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skwentna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N2661Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.