Event ANC24LA019

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during approach to the snow-covered runway in flat light conditions, the runway end lights were off making it difficult to see the runway. He lined up on what he perceived to be the runway centerline and noted ski tracks to the right of his position. After a normal touchdown, he increased power for a touch-and-go; however, he noticed the skis bogged down into the soft snow. There was a sudden deceleration, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the rudder. After landing he realized he had misidentified the runway and landed in softer snow, in an area between the runway and taxiway. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Flat light-Effect on personnel
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Capability exceeded