NTSB Factual Report

On January 3, 2004, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, N390BV, nosed over during the landing roll, after encountering snow, at the Hayfork Airport (Q72), Hayfork, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight last departed the Hyampom Airport (Q75), Hyampom, California, at 1345, and originated from Lake California Air Park (68CA0), Cottonwood, California, earlier that day. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the cross-country personal flight.

The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He reported that he attempted a short-field landing to a snow covered runway. During the landing roll, snow accumulated in front of the nose wheel. The airplane nosed over, and the propeller struck the ground, followed by the left and right wings. The pilot stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. Prior to his initial departure, the pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing.

In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that he saw tire tracks on the approach end of the runway prior to landing. After landing, he realized that they were from a vehicle, not an airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to attempt a landing on a snow covered runway without ascertaining the depth of the snow cover.