Accident Overview
A private pilot was operating a ski-equipped airplane on a frozen snow-covered lake. According to the pilot's report to the National Transportation Safety Board, he intended to perform a touch-and-go landing to assess the snow conditions before landing. During the approach, variable and gusty north-northwesterly winds necessitated a departure into an area of rising, tree-covered terrain.
Sequence of Events
The pilot landed the airplane to the northwest. After touchdown, he applied full engine power to initiate the touch-and-go maneuver. The airplane became airborne but was unable to climb sufficiently to clear the rising terrain at the departure end of the lake. The pilot stated in his written statement to the NTSB that he "failed to fully recognize [the] situation in time to abort departure." The airplane subsequently collided with tree-covered terrain.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, indicating that the aircraft was functioning normally prior to the collision.
Pilot Statement
The pilot acknowledged that he did not recognize the situation early enough to abort the departure. No further analysis or causal factors were provided in the report.