Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go landing on a frozen lake, the airplane struck a "drift of deep snow" and came to rest inverted. He added that he did not see the snow drift before landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. 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, during a touch and go landing on a frozen lake, the airplane struck a "drift of deep snow" and came to rest inverted. He added that he did not see the snow drift before landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.