Accident Sequence
A pilot was performing touch-and-go landings on a frozen lake to assess snow conditions. During the first touchdown, the pilot landed to check the snow, then moved to another area to repeat the procedure. On the second touchdown, the ski broke through the surface into water and slushy snow. The pilot initiated a takeoff, and as soon as the aircraft became airborne, the rear cable on the right ski broke. This caused the ski to pivot so that the tip pointed upward.
The pilot decided to land in the area previously checked. After setting up a slow, light touchdown on the lake, the right ski made contact and swiveled 180 degrees. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The outboard leading edge of the left wing was substantially damaged.
Findings
During the annual inspection, the pilot had replaced the right rear ski cable with a non-approved cable purchased from a hardware store. The cable subsequently failed during the takeoff roll, leading to the loss of directional control and the eventual nose-over.