What happened
The aircraft was operated by a private certificated pilot conducting a flight to a remote, unimproved location characterized by rough and uneven tundra-covered terrain. During the landing phase, the pilot attempted to touch down on this challenging surface. As the aircraft settled onto the ground during the landing roll, the right main landing gear tire encountered a depression in the terrain.
The impact with the hole caused the right main landing gear strut to fail structurally. This failure allowed the right tire to rotate upward out of its normal position. In its displaced state, the rotating tire struck the aft right wing lift strut. The force of this contact caused the lift strut to buckle. Consequently, the right wingtip and the propeller assembly descended and struck the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed the mechanical failure sequence described by the pilot. The primary damage was concentrated on the right main landing gear assembly and the associated wing structure. The right main landing gear strut exhibited signs of structural failure consistent with the reported collapse. The aft right wing lift strut showed evidence of buckling due to the impact from the displaced tire. Additionally, the right wingtip and the propeller sustained damage from ground contact.
Findings
The accident occurred during the landing phase on a remote, unimproved surface. The rough and uneven nature of the tundra terrain contributed to the initial gear failure. The pilot's decision to land on such terrain played a significant role in the outcome. The sequence of events was initiated by the tire dropping into a hole, leading to the subsequent structural failures.
Safety message
Pilots operating into remote, unimproved areas must carefully assess surface conditions. Rough and uneven terrain can pose significant risks to landing gear integrity. Adequate pre-flight planning and awareness of potential hazards are essential for safe operations in such environments.