Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable off-airport landing site, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was landing a wheel-equipped airplane on a frozen, snow-covered river when the main landing gear wheels encountered soft snow and the airplane nosed over, causing substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was landing a wheel-equipped airplane on a frozen, snow-covered river when the main landing gear wheels encountered soft snow and the airplane nosed over, receiving substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.