On 3 Apr 2009, a CESSNA 180K operated by CARRIER TIMOTHY LEVITE was involved in an aviation accident near Bettles, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot landing a ski-equipped airplane on a frozen snow-covered lake encountered a snowdrift, causing the skis to separate and the left main landing gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Accident Details
A commercial pilot was landing a ski-equipped airplane on a frozen snow-covered lake. During the landing roll, the main landing gear skis struck a snowdrift. The impact stripped the nuts that connect the skis to the main landing gear axle. Both skis subsequently separated from the airplane. The left main landing gear leg then collapsed, and the left wing struck the snow-covered frozen lake.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. No preaccident mechanical problems were identified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot noted in a report to the National Transportation Safety Board that the landing site should have been inspected before landing, and that a better area to land should have been selected.