Landing Gear Failure During Short Landing at Remote Lodge Airstrip

Casualties unknown • Skwentna, AK, US

A commercial pilot landed a tundra tire-equipped aircraft short of a remote dirt airstrip, striking a concealed log stump that tore off the right main landing gear and caused the right wing to contact the ground.

What happened

The commercial certificated pilot was operating an airplane equipped with tundra tires at a remote location adjacent to a lodge. The destination was a dirt surface airstrip oriented north-south, measuring approximately 1,200 feet in length and 20 feet in width.

According to the pilot's account, the aircraft was aligned for a landing toward the north end of the strip. The touchdown occurred approximately two feet short of the designated threshold. Upon contact with the ground, the right main landing gear struck a log stump that had been hidden by surrounding bushes just beyond the threshold area.

The impact force was sufficient to tear the right main landing gear completely off the airframe. Following the loss of the gear, the right wing of the aircraft struck the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance over obstacles during the landing phase, which resulted in the right main landing gear striking a concealed log stump and subsequent damage to the right wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-30 Cessna 185 accident near Skwentna, AK?

A commercial pilot landed a tundra tire-equipped aircraft short of a remote dirt airstrip, striking a concealed log stump that tore off the right main landing gear and caused the right wing to contact the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-30 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1078F, operated by Richard C. Lathrop, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance over obstacles during the landing phase, which resulted in the right main landing gear striking a concealed log stump and subsequent damage to the right wing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020712X01116. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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