Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was on a personal cross-country flight when he encountered whiteout conditions; he then reversed course to return to the departure airport. He reported that the visibility continued to diminish and he elected to land the ski-equipped airplane on a frozen, snow-covered lake. He said that the airplane landed hard on the uneven terrain, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the terrain. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident and that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, personal cross-country flight. The pilot said en route to his destination he encountered whiteout conditions, and he reversed course to return to the departure airport. He reported that the visibility continued to diminish, and he elected to land the ski-equipped airplane on a frozen, snow-covered lake. He said the airplane landed hard on the uneven terrain, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the terrain. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.