Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180K near Bettles, AK — 2009-04-03

Final reportANC09CA027
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Date
2009-04-03
Location
Bettles, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180K
Registration
N2801K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.

NTSB narrative

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 that 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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