Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Snow covered terrain that concealed uneven terrain was a factor in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing the ski-equipped airplane on a frozen and snow covered lake to pick up a passenger. During the landing roll, the airplane hit a small bump and the nose wheel ski broke through the surface of crusty snow. The nose ski then struck uneven terrain below the snow. The nose wheel was sheared off and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 17, 1996, about 1850 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Cessna 206, N942SA, crashed during landing at Trapper Lake, about 15 miles north of Willow, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by Susitna Air Service Inc., Willow, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated from Kashwitna Lake, Kashwitna, Alaska, about 1845. The pilot reported that he was landing on the frozen and snow covered lake to pick up a passenger. During the landing roll, the airplane hit a small bump and the nose wheel ski broke through the surface of crusty snow. The nose ski then struck uneven terrain below the snow. The nose wheel was sheared off and the airplane nosed over. The airplane received damage to the vertical stabilizer and fuselage. -