What happened
A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a public use caribou tracking flight when he attempted to land a wheel/ski-equipped aircraft on a remote, ice-covered lake. The pilot estimated that approximately 1,500 feet of usable landing area was available.
The pilot performed the landing toward the west with the skis extended. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began sliding on the icy surface toward an area of open water located along the lake shore. In an attempt to correct the movement, the pilot applied engine power and initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the right wing and right elevator struck the ice.
The investigation
The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's right wingtip, right aileron, and right elevator. Following the landing, it was determined that the wind was from the east at approximately 7 knots.