Accident Cessna A185E N4538F, Saturday 5 January 2013

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Date:	Saturday 5 January 2013
Time:	12:30 LT
Type:	Cessna A185E
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N4538F
MSN:	185-1025
Total airframe hrs:	3316 hours
Engine model:	Continental IO 520 SERIES
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Skwentna, Alaska - United States of America
Phase:	Taxi
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Anchorage-Merrill Field, AK (MRI/PAMR)
Destination airport:	Skwentna, AK
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot of the wheel/ski-equipped airplane landed on a remote, frozen, snow-covered lake. While taxiing to park, 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. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In a written statement, the pilot reported that flat light conditions on the snow-covered lake contributed to his inability to see the ice overflow.

Probable Cause: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.

Accident investigation: