Cessna 172, N271BJ: Accident occurred February 05, 2018 in Juneau, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Juneau, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
 
http://registry.faa.gov/N271BJ

Location: Juneau, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA119
Date & Time: 02/05/2018, 1100 AKS
Registration: N271BJ
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of the wheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on an unimproved snow-covered airstrip, he misjudged the surface condition. He added that, as the nose gear touched down the wheel broke through the snow, turned sideways, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield and both wings.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

Findings

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Snow/slush/ice covered surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 63, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N271BJ
Model/Series: 172 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 36069
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/25/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: FRANKLIN
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 335/180
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 180 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAJN, 24 ft msl
Observation Time: 1953 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 16 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 267°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 25000 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: -7°C / -8°C
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots, 110°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):  
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: JUNEAU, AK (JNU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Juneau, AK
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1030 AKS
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  58.373333, -134.051111 (est)