What happened
While en route to his destination, a certificated commercial pilot observed a man standing next to a snow machine and waving his arms. The pilot initially descended to approximately 100 feet above the ground to fly over the individual. Because the man continued to wave his arms, the pilot believed the individual required assistance.
The pilot climbed to 1,500 feet and contacted a Flight Service Station (FSS) to request that help be sent to the location. After receiving confirmation from the FSS specialist that help was being dispatched, the pilot descended again with the intention of dropping a note to the man to inform him that assistance was on the way.
During this second approach, the pilot configured the aircraft with gear down and full flaps extended. At an altitude of approximately 75 to 100 feet AGL, the aircraft entered a stall. Although the pilot applied full power immediately upon recognizing the stall, the condition progressed too rapidly. The aircraft subsequently touched down on a tributary of the Yukon River. Upon impact, the main wheels and the right wing contacted deep snow, resulting in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The pilot was not injured.