Loss of control Accident Piper PA-17 N4568H, Sunday 31 January 2010

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Date:	Sunday 31 January 2010
Time:	16:00 LT
Type:	Piper PA-17
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N4568H
MSN:	15-342
Year of manufacture:	1948
Engine model:	Continental C90
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Skwentna, Alaska - United States of America
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Skwentna, AK (na )
Destination airport:	Skwentna, AK (na )
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The private pilot reported that he was on a personal flight and was attempting to land on a frozen lake. While on final approach to land, he said the airplane encountered a wind gust and that the left wing struck the top of a tree. The airplane descended and collided with terrain short of the intended landing site. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Probable Cause: The pilot's decision to make a low-altitude approach to land over trees in gusting winds, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and a loss of control.

Accident investigation: