Incident Overview
An airline transport certificated pilot was operating a ski-equipped airplane on a remote glacier. The departure was from a snow-covered area, with a downhill takeoff run. According to the pilot, immediately after the airplane became airborne, the left main landing gear ski struck snow-covered terrain. The impact tore the left main landing gear strut from the fuselage.
Emergency Landing and Rescue
Following the strut separation, the pilot executed an emergency landing on the snow. During this landing, the left wing and fuselage sustained additional damage. The pilot reported that weather conditions were clear with unrestricted visibility. An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received by search and rescue personnel, who subsequently retrieved the airplane's occupants via a rescue helicopter.
Pilot Report on Snow Conditions
In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), the pilot noted that the landing and takeoff area featured snow drifts 6 to 8 feet high. Despite these conditions, the area was still in use by local ski-equipped aircraft.