Accident Details
A commercial pilot was landing a tundra-tire equipped airplane atop a mountain ridge. During the landing roll on rough and uneven terrain, the right main landing gear axle broke, allowing the right wheel to separate from the airplane. The airplane then pivoted to the right, causing the left wing to strike the ground. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Examination Findings
Following the retrieval of the airplane, an FAA airworthiness inspector examined the broken axle. The inspector reported that a visual inspection revealed the fracture traveled through a drilled hole in the axle. The drilled hole is used when the airplane has a wheel/ski kit installed. Additionally, the inspector noted a substantial amount of corrosion and rust within and around the fracture surface.
Service History
The operator reported that the time in service of the failed landing gear axle was about 2,500 hours, and the time since the last inspection of the axle was about 1,800 hours.