Accident Overview
A wheel-ski equipped airplane made a forced landing in a snow-covered meadow after the engine lost power during approach to its destination airport. The pilot reported that the power loss was due to fuel exhaustion.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while en route to his home airport, he encountered transient snow showers along his flight path and had to fly further north than originally planned. As he approached the destination airport, the engine began to lose power. The pilot selected a snow-covered meadow as a forced landing site.
Landing and Damage
During touchdown, the wheel-skis sank into deep snow, causing both main landing gear legs to collapse. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. He noted that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion.