What happened
During a takeoff attempt from the surface of an icy lake, the aircraft's nose landing gear made contact with a ridge of ice. This impact caused the aircraft to lose control of its trajectory. Following the initial strike, the plane veered off course and struck the nearby river bank, where it eventually came to a stop.
The incident took place at the coordinates 69°58'00.0"N 76°59'00.0"W. While the impact with the river bank was significant, the two pilots on board survived the event with minor injuries. However, the structural damage sustained by the aircraft was so extensive that it was declared a total loss and was damaged beyond repair.
Findings
- The primary factor in the loss of control was the nose gear striking an ice ridge during the takeoff roll.