NTSB Factual Report

On January 14, 2006, about 1220 mountain standard time, an Aviat A1-A airplane, N456AM, sustained substantial damage after colliding with snow-covered ice (a frozen drainage reservoir) approximately one mile south of the Pine Airport, Pine, Idaho. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured in the accident. The airplane is owned by the pilot and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight that originated at Nampa, Idaho, approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement dated January 24, 2006, the pilot reported the flight originated from Nampa, Idaho, at 1150 hours, with a planned destination of Pine, Idaho. The pilot reported that he intended to over fly the airstrip, without landing, and return to Nampa. He reported that while on an extended downwind leg for the airstrip, the airplane touched down on the snow resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

The pilot reported that flat light conditions hampered his ability to judge his relative distance to the ground. He further stated that he did not realize he was descending over the snow-covered terrain until he impacted the snow.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering. Snow covered terrain and flat light conditions are contributing factors.