What happened
During a takeoff from a glacier located off an airport landing site, the right landing gear leg and ski separated from the Cessna 185. This structural failure caused both wings of the aircraft to contact the snow surface.
The investigation
Postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed multiple fatigue cracks at both upper wheel attachment bolt holes on the right landing gear leg. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 6,561 hours in operation. The aircraft was routinely used for off-airport landings using both wheels and skis.
There is no established life limit, measured in hours or cycles, for the landing gear legs of this aircraft type. The required inspection protocol consists of a visual inspection for general condition performed at 100-hour and annual intervals. This specific inspection procedure does not require the removal of the wheels or skis, nor does it necessitate the removal of any paint coatings prior to the inspection.