Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing off-airport on snow-covered terrain, in flat light conditions, the terrain was “rougher” than he expected. Subsequently, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a “bump”, the right ski penetrated the surface of the snow, and the right main landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA029 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lime Village, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N1291D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.