What happened
The certificated private pilot was operating an airplane equipped with tundra tires during a departure from an unimproved airstrip. The site was characterized by snow cover and measured approximately 800 feet in length. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it approached the end of the available surface area just prior to becoming airborne.
At this critical moment, the right main wheel encountered a rut within the snow-packed surface. The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse immediately. Following the structural failure, the airplane veered sharply to the right off the intended flight path and collided with a stand of willows located adjacent to the departure site.
The investigation
Investigation of the event focused on the mechanical integrity of the landing gear following the collision. Examination confirmed that the right main landing gear had collapsed due to the impact with the rut in the snow-covered surface during the takeoff roll.