Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which led to both skis breaking through the ice while positioning the airplane after landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after landing on a snow-covered, off-airport landing site, he was positioning the airplane for parking. He added that the left ski broke through the ice, followed by the right ski. He reported that he had not seen the area of "soft/thin" ice before taxiing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, after landing on a snow covered, off airport landing site, he was repositioning the airplane for parking. He added that the left ski broke through the ice, followed by the right ski. He reported that he had not seen the area of "soft/thin" ice before taxiing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.