Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during landing, which resulted in the left ski impacting snow and a subsequent bounce and loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the snow ski-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, just before touchdown, he noticed a rock sticking out of the snow near the intended touchdown point. He tried to change the airplane's course to the left, but the left ski contacted the snow when the airplane was not straight with the direction of travel, and the airplane bounced. The right ski then contacted the snow, and the right main landing gear strut failed. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 8GCBC
- N-number
- N53910
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.