Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he decided to perform a low pass over a frozen, snow-covered lake. During the low pass, the pilot attempted to “knick” the snow with the airplane’s main tires. Upon contacting the snow, the airplane immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.