Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a touch-and-go landing on a frozen lake, the airplane struck a "drift of deep snow" and came to rest inverted. He added that he did not see the snow drift before landing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 23, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aberdeen, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
CP 65
- N-number
- N37716
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1941
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.