(Pilot) Performed A Forced Landing To A Flat Snow-Covered Field Short Of The Approach End Of Runway 30

Location: Vermillion, SD Accident Number: CEN24LA076
Date & Time: December 29, 2023, 12:00 Local Registration: N2774P
Aircraft: Piper PA-18A 150 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 29, 2023, about 1200 central standard time, a Piper PA-18A 150, N2774P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vermillion, South Dakota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane was on final for runway 30 at the Harold Davidson Field Airport (VMR), when the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was not successful and performed a forced landing to a flat snow-covered field short of the approach end of runway 30. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the left forward lift strut. During the recovery of the airplane, 100LL Avgas was present in the wing fuel lines with snow discoloration around the area of the fuel caps.

The airplane was equipped with a Lycoming O-320 reciprocating engine. The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov