Flight Details
The commercial certificated pilot was returning from a remote village after completing a round robin flight of approximately 130 miles over a frozen and snow-covered river. During cruise flight at about 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot circled while holding between 6 and 7 miles east of the destination airport, awaiting a special VFR (SVFR) clearance.
Weather Conditions
At the holding location, weather conditions were reported as about 1 mile visibility with a ceiling of approximately 1,000 feet AGL. The pilot later described near white-out conditions, though he could see the bank of the river. At the time of the accident, the airport reported a ceiling of 600 feet obscured and visibility of 1/2 mile in snow.
Engine Anomaly and Forced Landing
After receiving SVFR clearance, the pilot proceeded toward the airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine fuel pressure began fluctuating, followed by a decrease in engine rpm and a loss of altitude. The pilot switched fuel tanks, selected full flaps, and prepared for a forced landing.
Accident Sequence
Upon switching the fuel tank selector from the left to the right tank, the engine power suddenly returned to full power. The pilot applied forward flight control pressure to prevent the airplane from climbing too rapidly. Despite this action, the airplane collided with the surface of the river. The collision resulted in structural damage to both the wings and the fuselage.
Aftermath
Neither the fuel status of the accident airplane nor the mechanical condition of the engine was verified by the National Transportation Safety Board or the Federal Aviation Administration.