Accident Overview
A sightseeing flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 experienced an accident during landing. Witnesses reported that after initial contact with the snow-covered runway surface, the airplane bounced back into the air to a height of two to three feet. During this bounce, the right ski separated from the landing gear structure.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the accident disclosed that the fracture occurred at the tubular axle flange of the landing gear. Further analysis of the fracture surface revealed distinct characteristics at different positions. At the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, the fracture surface areas were very bright and rough. Conversely, at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, the surface areas were darker, grayish in color, and somewhat smoother.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a bounce during landing on snow-covered terrain, resulting in the separation of the right ski and subsequent crash. No probable cause was stated in the source.