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Pilot Encounters Whiteout, Makes Hard Landing on Frozen Lake

Selawik, AK, United States

On December 18, 2009, a STINSON 108-1 operated by Roger Hunington was involved in an aviation accident near Selawik, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, resulting in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landed a ski-equipped airplane on a frozen lake after encountering whiteout conditions. The hard landing caused the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to strike the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A private pilot conducting a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, encountered whiteout conditions en route to the destination. The pilot reversed course to return to the departure airport, but visibility continued to diminish, prompting a decision to land on a frozen, snow-covered lake.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the ski-equipped airplane landed hard on uneven terrain. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, and the left wing subsequently struck the ground. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane before the accident.

Damage Details

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage as a result of the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent rate — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 2009 STINSON 108-1 accident near Selawik, AK?

A private pilot landed a ski-equipped airplane on a frozen lake after encountering whiteout conditions. The hard landing caused the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to strike the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 2009 STINSON 108-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 2009 involved a STINSON 108-1, operated by Roger Hunington, at Selawik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, resulting in a hard landing.

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