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Ski-equipped aircraft sustains damage after crosswind incident (N53817)

Koyuk, AK, US

On April 13, 1997, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N53817) was involved in an aviation accident near Koyuk, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control in gusty crosswind conditions, which led to the right ski striking ice and the subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot taxiing a ski-equipped airplane in gusty crosswinds experienced a strong wind gust that pushed the aircraft sideways, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and substantial damage to the right wing.

What happened

The pilot was operating an airplane equipped with skis after landing at an unmarked off-airport site. Conditions were characterized by gusty crosswinds during the taxi phase. A sudden, strong gust of wind exerted significant lateral force on the aircraft, pushing it sideways to the right.

As the aircraft drifted laterally, the right ski made contact with a patch of ice. This interaction caused the right main landing gear to collapse. Following the structural failure of the gear, the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to that section of the airframe.

The investigation

The primary mechanical finding involved the collapse of the right main landing gear. The sequence of events indicated that the gear failure was initiated by the ski striking ice during a lateral drift caused by wind conditions. Subsequent inspection confirmed substantial damage to the right wing due to ground contact.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control in gusty crosswind conditions, which led to the right ski striking ice and the subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07652. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.