Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel- and ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off airport on a snow-covered ridge, the back of the right ski struck about a 6-inch-tall, firm snow drift. The right ski then pitched forward, the tip dug into the "crusty" snow, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and lift strut.
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 GAA19CA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 9, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pullman, Washington
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N4100Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.