Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On March 3, 2003, approximately 1100 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150M, N714NF, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing roll at the Delores Point Airstrip, Gateway, Colorado. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Mack, Colorado, approximately 1030.

The following is based on a telephone conversation with the pilot and the accident report he submitted. The approach was to the south, landing uphill. There was "light snow on the runway with vegetation showing on both sides of the runway." The flaps were extended an indeterminate amount and power was reduced. The stall warning horn sounded as the airplane settled to the runway. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear. As the nose gear settled to the runway, "the left main gear hit a patch of snow or mud and grabbed." Right rudder and aileron ontrol inputs were applied in an attempt to maintain directional control. The right main landing gear "hit some snow" and the airplane tipped up on its left wingtip and propeller spinner before nosing over.

According to the pilot, the left wing rear spar was bent. the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the snow-covered runway.