What happened
The aircraft was conducting a landing operation on a sandbar that had a light covering of snow. The presence of the snow obscured a ditch located within the landing area. During the landing rollout phase, the aircraft collided with this hidden ditch. The impact caused one of the main landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
An examination of the accident scene and the aircraft was conducted to determine the sequence of events. Investigators noted that the sandbar surface conditions included a light snow cover which effectively hid the ditch from view during the approach and initial touchdown.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the obscured ditch on the landing surface. The snow cover prevented the pilot from seeing the hazard until after the aircraft had already made contact with the ground. There were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the aircraft systems that contributed to the incident. The collapse of the gear was a direct result of the collision with the ditch rather than a pre-existing defect.
Safety message
Pilots operating in winter conditions should be aware that snow cover can obscure surface hazards such as ditches, ruts, or debris. Extra caution and thorough visual inspection of the landing area prior to touchdown are essential when visibility is reduced by weather conditions.