What happened
The accident occurred while a private certificated pilot was attempting to land an airplane equipped with tundra tires on a remote gravel bar. The pilot successfully touched down and began the landing roll across the uneven surface. Approximately 300 feet after initial touchdown, the right main landing gear tire made contact with a small berm protruding from the ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right. As the plane continued its uncontrolled path, it struck a second berm. The force of these impacts resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear from the fuselage. Following the structural failure, the airplane sustained significant damage to the right wing, the right aileron, and the right elevator.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the aircraft revealed that the sequence of events was initiated by the right main landing gear tire striking a berm during the landing roll. The subsequent impact with a second berm led to the complete separation of the right main landing gear assembly from the fuselage. The damage was concentrated on the right side of the airframe, affecting the wing control surfaces and elevator.