Landing Gear Collapse During Landing on Frozen Slough

Casualties unknown • Iliamna, AK, US

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after an attempt to avoid an obstacle on a frozen slough resulted in the aircraft striking a dirt clump.

What happened

While performing a landing to the northeast on a frozen slough, the pilot of the aircraft observed a football-sized clump of dirt protruding from the ice directly in front of the airplane following touchdown.

In an effort to avoid hitting the obstacle, the pilot applied full left rudder. While this maneuver caused the nose of the aircraft to pivot approximately 20 degrees to the left, the actual ground track of the airplane remained in a straight line. Consequently, the right ski struck the dirt clump.

The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse, which subsequently led to the right wing striking the surface of the frozen slough. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, the leading edge of the right wing, and the right wing main spar.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to avoid a dirt clump by applying full left rudder caused the aircraft to strike the obstacle, leading to landing gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-03-28 Cessna 180 accident near Iliamna, AK?

A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after an attempt to avoid an obstacle on a frozen slough resulted in the aircraft striking a dirt clump.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-03-28 involved a Cessna 180, registration N91303, operated by Albert I. Novak, at Iliamna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to avoid a dirt clump by applying full left rudder caused the aircraft to strike the obstacle, leading to landing gear collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010509X00914. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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