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Takeoff from Snow-Covered Frozen Lake Results in Wingtip Strike and Gear Separation (N2577D)

South Haven, MN, US

On March 4, 2001, a Cessna 170B (registration N2577D) was involved in an aviation accident near South Haven, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain during the maneuver to avoid the tree line. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting a takeoff from a snow-covered frozen lake reported a long takeoff run due to sticky snow. After becoming airborne, the aircraft could not climb above trees, leading to a left turn and subsequent impact with the snow, causing a wingtip strike and right ski separation.

Accident Description

A pilot was attempting a takeoff from a snow-covered frozen lake using skis. According to the pilot's written statement, the snow was sticky, resulting in a long takeoff run. The aircraft became airborne but could not climb above approaching trees. The pilot elected to turn left and land back on the lake.

Impact and Aircraft Damage

During the turn, the left wingtip hit the snow, and the pilot reported being unable to straighten the flight path. The right ski subsequently contacted the snow with a side load and was torn off beneath the airplane, along with the entire landing gear assembly. The airplane came to rest approximately 120 feet from the point where the wingtip first impacted the terrain.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided a written statement describing the events: "Taking off lake on skis. Snow was sticky - take off run was long - got airborne - couldn't climb above approaching trees - elected to turn left and land on lake." He further reported, "Hit the snow with the left wing tip - couldn't straighten flight path - ski on right hit snow with side load & ripped off under plane with the whole gear." No other details were provided regarding occupants, injuries, or the specific type of aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 2001 Cessna 170B accident near South Haven, MN?

A pilot attempting a takeoff from a snow-covered frozen lake reported a long takeoff run due to sticky snow. After becoming airborne, the aircraft could not climb above trees, leading to a left turn and subsequent impact with the snow, causing a wingtip strike and right ski separation.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Mar 2001 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 2001 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2577D, at South Haven, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain during the maneuver to avoid the tree line. Factors to the accident were the diminished aircraft handling, the pilot's maneuver to avoid the tree line, the unsuitable terrain for takeoff selected by the pilot, the snow covered lake, and the tree line.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010305X00541. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.