The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped Cessna 185 landed on a remote, frozen, snow-covered lake near Skwenta, Alaska. While taxiing to park, the right wheel/ski struck an area of ice overflow that was covered by snow.
The axle bolts broke, pivoting the airplane to the right, sending the right wing into the snow-covered ice. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that flat light conditions on the snow-covered lake contributed to his inability to see the ice overflow.
The NTSB attributed the accident to the pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.
NTSB Identification: ANC13CA020
This January 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
