Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadvertent contact with a rut in the snow while taxiing, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While the pilot was taxiing the ski-equipped airplane to the runway, he inadvertently hit a rut in the snow, and the right main landing gear collapsed. He stated that he was taxiing the airplane fast enough to keep the tail off the ground. He said that the right main landing gear failed at the fuselage attach point, and the right wing struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.
Source record
Factual narrative
While the pilot was taxing the ski-equipped airplane to the runway, he inadvertently hit a rut in the snow, and the right main landing gear collapsed. In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he was taxiing the airplane fast enough to keep the tail off the ground. He said that the right main landing gear failed at the fuselage attach point, and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. Due to its remote location, the airplane was not examined by the NTSB.