Accident Description
A pilot and three passengers were departing a remote airstrip on the return leg of an on-demand charter flight. The airplane, equipped with retractable wheel/skis, was operating with the skis retracted on a snow-covered strip approximately 850 feet long. During the takeoff roll, the right main landing gear ski contacted the snow, slowing the airplane's acceleration and producing a pull to the right. The pilot applied left rudder control and left brake pressure to maintain directional control.
Near the end of the takeoff area, the pilot rotated the airplane. The airplane settled slightly, and the right gear ski tip contacted the snow. The right ski mechanism was torn from the airplane. The airplane became airborne, and the pilot decided to proceed to an airport where emergency rescue equipment was available.
During touchdown at the destination runway, the right main gear collapsed. An examination revealed that the forward ski limit-cable bracket bolts were sheared. Three of the bolts were non-standard hardware that had been installed before the operator purchased the skis. The limit cable prevents the ski tip from pivoting downward.