Accident Overview
An airline transport pilot was attempting to land at a remote off-airport site. The landing area, oriented southwest/northeast, was a tundra-covered strip measuring approximately 800 feet long by 100 feet wide. During a pre-landing overflight, the pilot observed a 55-gallon fuel drum positioned at the southwest end of the strip.
Approach and Landing Attempt
With a light wind from the northeast, the pilot determined that a downwind approach was necessary due to the fuel drum's location. He selected full flaps and initiated a landing approach toward the southwest. However, during the approach, the tailwind caused the airplane to overshoot the pilot's intended touchdown point.
Touchdown and Aborted Landing
Upon touchdown, the main wheels encountered a rut, causing the airplane to bounce back into the air. The pilot immediately applied full power to abort the landing. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane's nose wheel and propeller collided with the fuel drum at the end of the airstrip.
Post-Impact Events
Following the collision with the fuel drum, the engine began to vibrate violently. The pilot selected a tundra-covered forced landing site approximately one-quarter mile from the original intended landing area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.