N4538F – CESSNA A185E – 2013-01-05 NTSB Accident Report

On January 05, 2013, a Cessna A185E (N4538F) was involved in an incident near Skwentna, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.

The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped airplane landed on a remote frozen snow-covered lake. While taxiing to parking, the right wheel/ski struck an area of ice overflow that was covered by snow. During the collision, the axle bolts on the right wheel/ski broke, which pivoted the airplane to the right, and the right wing struck the snow-covered ice. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Other than the broken axle bolts, the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written statement to the NTSB, the pilot reported that flat light conditions on the snow-covered lake contributed to his inability to see the ice overflow.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC13CA020. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4538F.