What happened
While taxiing for takeoff on the frozen Porcupine River in rural Alaska, an aircraft experienced a landing gear failure when the right main gear broke through the river ice. This impact caused the right wing of the aircraft to strike the ice.
The pilot had previously landed on the river near the Porcupine Lodge at a location designated as a landing site by the lodge operator. During that initial landing, the pilot encountered no difficulties and operated under the assumption that the ice thickness was sufficient to support the weight of the aircraft.
As the aircraft was taxiing downstream for takeoff, the right main landing gear tire and ski penetrated the ice, resulting in the gear entering approximately four feet of water.