What happened
The flight was bound for a remote airstrip located on the tundra, situated roughly 40 miles south of Barter Island along the Jago River. The landing area presented significant challenges due to its surface conditions, which consisted entirely of wet vegetation rather than paved or gravel runways. Upon touchdown, the pilot reported that braking action was effectively nil, indicating a complete lack of traction necessary for deceleration.
As the aircraft attempted to slow down on this unyielding surface, it struck a berm located near the landing zone. The impact occurred specifically with the right main landing gear. The force of the collision caused the right main landing gear to collapse under the weight and momentum of the airplane, resulting in substantial structural damage to that section of the airframe.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site confirmed the pilot's description of the terrain. The airstrip surface was indeed composed of wet vegetation, offering no hard surface for braking. The mechanical failure was traced directly to the impact with the berm, which overwhelmed the structural integrity of the right main landing gear assembly.