Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a low altitude pass over a frozen, snow-covered lake experienced a loss of control after misjudging the aircraft's height above the ground. The aircraft was a wheel-equipped airplane. The landing gear contacted the snow, leading to a descent. Subsequently, the left wing and propeller struck the ground. The airplane came to rest upright on the snow-covered terrain.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while flying at low altitude over the frozen lake, he misjudged the airplane's height above the ground. The landing gear then contacted the snow, and the airplane descended. The left wing and propeller subsequently struck the ground. The aircraft came to rest upright on the snow-covered terrain.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. No other damage details were provided.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Recommendations
In the recommendation section of the accident reporting form, the pilot noted that the accident may have been prevented if he had better evaluated the flight scenario and properly addressed the risks associated with low level flight over a snow covered landscape, including the visual illusions associated with those conditions.