Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Soft snow conditions were a factor in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed on a remote, ice covered lake in a tundra tire equipped airplane. The lake was covered by hard packed snow. During the landing roll out, a tire broke through a soft spot on the snow surface. The airplane nosed over and received damage to the wing lift struts and rudder.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 2, 1996, about 1300 Alaska standard time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-22, N6058D, crashed during landing about 19 miles south of Cooper Landing, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated airline transport pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Merrill Field, Anchorage, Alaska, about 1130. The pilot reported that he was landing on Iceberg Lake that was covered by hard packed snow. After landing to the east, the airplane was rolling out and encountered a soft spot on the snow surface. The airplane nosed over and received damage to the wing lift struts and rudder. The pilot and passenger were rescued from the scene on March 3, 1996, about 0200. -