N2801K

Substantial
None

CESSNA 180KS/N: 18053072

Accident Details

Date
Friday, April 3, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA027
Location
Bettles, AK
Event ID
20090407X24749
Coordinates
66.913887, -151.528884
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18053072
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
180KC180
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
180K

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GERRITY JAMES L
Address
PO BOX 518
City
HOMER
State / Zip Code
AK 99603-0518
Country
United States

Analysis

The commercial pilot reported that he was landing on the frozen snow-covered lake in a ski-equipped airplane. During the landing roll the airplane's main landing gear skis encountered a snowdrift, which stripped the nuts that connect the skis to the main landing gear axle. Both skis separated and the airplane's left main landing gear leg collapsed. The left wing struck the snow-covered frozen lake. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that he should have inspected the landing site before landing, then selected a better area to land on.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA027