Cessna 172M N46056 accident near Red Lake, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate landing surface evaluation and failure to stop the airplane on the frozen lake, which resulted the airplane continuing into a crack in the ice.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that they overflew the frozen lake and passed on the original landing area due to ice cracks and heaves. He flew to another area of the lake and located a suitable landing spot. He completed a low pass to survey the landing area and confirm its suitability. During the landing roll, he was unable to stop the airplane in the surveyed area; the airplane continued into a crack in the ice and became partially submerged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA072 for the full record.