SEA99LA039

The pilot reported that as he approached the snow covered airstrip, he noted that the snow cover appeared to be groomed (snowmobile packed) to its full length and hard packed. The landing was normal and as the main landing gear touched down, the wheels settled slightly in the snow. When the nose gear touched down, the wheel dug into the snow and the airplane nosed over.

On March 3, 1999, at 1225 mountain standard time, a Cessna TU206G, N756AV, registered to and operated by Arnold Aviation as a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand air taxi, nosed over during the landing roll at a private airstrip located 40 miles northeast of Cascade, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a company flight plan was used. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from another private airstrip in the area about five minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that as he approached the airstrip, he noted that the runway was snow covered and "groomed (snowmobile packed) to its full length and appeared to be hard surfaced." The pilot stated that the approach and landing were normal. The main landing gear touched down and settled slightly in the snow, however, when the nose gear touched down, it dug into the snow. The propeller contacted the snow and the airplane nosed over.