Accident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot experienced control difficulties while descending to Chevak Airport in snow showers mixed with rain. The airplane became "heavy to control," and during a left base leg for runway 14, it did not respond to left control yoke inputs. The pilot managed a slow right turn of 270 degrees to align with the runway.
Approach and Landing
On short final over the threshold, the pilot applied left control yoke to correct for a left crosswind of 12 to 15 knots. The input had no effect, and the airplane drifted right, touching down off the runway surface before nosing over.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection revealed ice formation on the airplane's wings, struts, and fuselage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Findings
The pilot reported that ice accumulation compromised control effectiveness during the approach and landing. The accident sequence involved a loss of lateral control in crosswind conditions, leading to an off-runway touchdown and subsequent nose-over.