NTSB Factual Report

The certificated flight instructor was providing primary flight instruction to the student pilot under Title 14, CFR Part 91, at the time of the accident. The flight instructor reported that while on final approach to land, he inadvertently allowed the student pilot to descend into a snow-covered area, about 40 feet short of the runway threshold. As the airplane's main wheels contacted an area of deep, hard packed snow, the airplane nosed down, and right wing struck the snow-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage. The instructor noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The instructor pilot's inadequate supervision of the student while landing, which resulted in an undershoot, and subsequent in-flight collision with snow-covered terrain.