WPR13CA079

Factual narrative

After conducting a low pass over the runway to judge the height of the snow, the flight instructor elected to demonstrate a soft field touch-and-go landing. When the airplane touched down, the snow height was greater than he anticipated and the airplane slowed faster than he expected. Full power was applied and the airplane pitched forward. The airplane continued forward on its nose wheel and rolled to the right and left, striking both wings on the ground which substantially damaged both main wing spars. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After the private pilot and flight instructor conducted a low pass over a snow-covered runway, the private pilot proposed returning to their home airport. However, the flight instructor elected to demonstrate a soft field touch-and-go landing on the snow-covered runway before the return flight. When the airplane touched down, the snow was deeper than the flight instructor anticipated, and the airplane slowed faster than he expected. The pilots added full power and increased back pressure on the control yoke; however, the airplane pitched forward on its nosewheel and then rolled right and left, striking both wings and substantially damaging both main wing spars. The pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Snow/slush/ice covered-Effect on operation
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Instructor/check pilot - C