Incident Overview
A pilot, cleared to land a wheel-equipped airplane at a lighted gravel airstrip at night, inadvertently landed on a frozen, snow-covered lake adjacent to the airstrip. The lake is typically used by ski-equipped airplanes.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, the airplane's wheels encountered deep snow, causing the aircraft to nose over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Pilot Statement
Airport rescue personnel reported that upon their arrival, the pilot stated he believed he had landed on the airstrip and was unaware that he had landed on the frozen lake. The pilot also indicated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.