Pilot Debrief

Heckel Super Sportsman near Spotted Bear, MT — 2021-01-24

Final reportWPR21LA096
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Date
2021-01-24
Location
Spotted Bear, MT, USA
Airport
8U4
Aircraft
Heckel Super Sportsman
Registration
N55BT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll on an unimproved snow-covered runway which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, prior to landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he conducted a low approach over the snow-covered runway for inspection. During the low approach, the pilot observed runway markers and numerous parallel tracks on the runway and decided to land. During landing roll, the airplane encountered an area of soft snow that was deeper than expected, which resulted in the airplane immediately stopping, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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