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Airplane Crashes on Frozen Lake After Wing Separation During Aborted Landing

Sebago Lake, ME, United States

On February 5, 2011, a PIPER PA-12 operated by Randall, Richard Carl was involved in an aviation accident near Sebago Lake, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s initiation of a right turn with insufficient altitude remaining during an aborted landing resulting in a collision with the landing surface. 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 pilot attempting to land on a frozen lake aborted due to severe snow. During a bank, the right wing struck ice and snow, separated, and the airplane crashed, seriously injuring the pilot.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, he was attempting to land on a frozen lake approximately 200 yards from shore. Severe snow conditions prompted him to abort the landing. During the abort, he banked the airplane, and the right wing contacted ice and snow on the lake surface. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the aircraft. Following the wing separation, the airplane crashed onto the frozen lake.

Injuries

The pilot sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the airplane had just been fueled and was operating normally at the time of the accident. No other information about the aircraft, its registration, or the specific location was provided.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Feb 2011 PIPER PA-12 accident near Sebago Lake, ME?

A pilot attempting to land on a frozen lake aborted due to severe snow. During a bank, the right wing struck ice and snow, separated, and the airplane crashed, seriously injuring the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Feb 2011 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Feb 2011 involved a PIPER PA-12, operated by Randall, Richard Carl, at Sebago Lake, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s initiation of a right turn with insufficient altitude remaining during an aborted landing resulting in a collision with the landing surface.

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