Cessna A185E N4538F accident near Skwentna, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped airplane landed on a remote, frozen, snow-covered lake. While taxiing to park, the right wheel/ski struck an area of ice overflow that was covered by snow. During the collision, the axle bolts on the right wheel/ski broke, which pivoted the airplane to the right, and the right wing struck the snow-covered ice. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA020 for the full record.