Incident Overview
The aircraft involved was an AN-2, which was part of an expedition over the Arctic. The flight originated from Longyearbyen in the Spitzberg Islands (Svalbard) and was destined for Barrow, Alaska. A Cessna 185 accompanied the AN-2 on this flight.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at the landing site, the crew of the Cessna 185 performed a preliminary landing to evaluate the ice thickness. After they determined the ice was safe, the AN-2 proceeded to land. However, as the AN-2 touched down, the ice began to crack under its weight. The pilot immediately attempted to take off, but the undercarriage broke through the ice, causing the aircraft to sink partially into the water.
Aftermath
All five occupants of the AN-2 evacuated without any injuries. The aircraft, however, was damaged beyond repair, rendering it a total loss. No further information about the incident was provided.