CESSNA 120 near Kneeland, CA — 2026-02-20

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing roll on a snow-covered runway.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during touchdown on a snow-covered runway, he reduced engine power to idle shortly after touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane rapidly decelerated and the tail began to rise. The pilot maintained full aft yoke; however, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on the runway, inverted. The horizontal stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot added that prior to landing, he conducted a low pass over the runway, and thought the snow was only a few inches deep, however, following the accident, he estimated the snow was about 5 to 6 inches deep. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Nose over/nose down · Landing-landing roll
• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Related mishaps

• CESSNA A185F

  2026-06-27 · Angel Fire, NM

• CESSNA 180H

  2026-06-21 · Port Angeles, WA

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-06-17 · DEATH VALLEY, CA

• STODDARD HAMILTON GLASTAR

  2026-06-15 · Summer Lake, OR

• TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65

  2026-06-07 · Renovo, PA

• CESSNA 140

  2026-06-01 · Pasco, WA