Accident
On July 17, 2019, at approximately 1445 Alaska daylight time, a wheel/ski-equipped Cessna A185 airplane, registration N121EE, sustained substantial damage while taxiing after landing on the Ruth Glacier, about 50 miles northwest of Talkeetna, Alaska. The aircraft was registered to a private individual and operated by Sheldon Air Service as a visual flight rules on-demand sightseeing flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135.
The flight departed Talkeetna Airport (PATK) at about 1415. According to the operator, the sightseeing flight included a landing at the Don Sheldon Mountain House, located in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater. After an uneventful ski landing on the Ruth Glacier, the airplane taxied over some ruts when the pilot heard a "bang" on the right side of the airplane. The airplane glided to a stop, and the pilot noticed the right wing was about 2 feet lower than normal. An inspection by the pilot revealed that the right outboard landing gear bracket had fractured, which constituted substantial damage to the fuselage.
Investigation
The outboard landing gear bracket was not available to the National Transportation Safety Board for inspection.
Weather
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an FAA flight plan had been filed. The closest weather reporting facility is Talkeetna Airport (PATK). At 1453, a METAR from PATK reported: wind, variable at 4 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 75°F; dew point 48°F; altimeter setting 29.58 inches of mercury.
Operator
Sheldon Air Service operated the flight. The certificated commercial pilot and four passengers were not injured.