Casualties unknown

Landing on Frozen Slough Leads to Collision with Dirt Clump and Substantial Damage (N91303)

Iliamna, AK, US

On March 28, 2001, a Cessna 180 (registration N91303) operated by Albert I. Novak was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor associated with the accident was uneven terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A certificated airline transport pilot landed on a frozen slough. After touchdown, the airplane's right ski struck a dirt clump, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and the right wing to strike the surface, resulting in substantial damage.

Synopsis

A certificated airline transport pilot executed a landing on a frozen slough. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a dirt clump on the ice, causing a collapse of the right main landing gear and damage to the right wing structure.

Landing and Evasive Maneuver

After touchdown, the pilot noticed a football-sized clump of dirt protruding from the ice ahead of the airplane. He applied full left rudder in an attempt to avoid the obstruction. The nose of the airplane moved approximately 20 degrees to the left, but the aircraft's ground track continued in a straight line. Consequently, the right ski struck the dirt clump.

Damage Assessment

The collision resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. The right wing then made contact with the frozen surface. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing leading edge, and the right wing main spar.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a probable cause.

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.