Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for taxi.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he landed on a remote beach site. After landing, he noticed the beach was soft, and he elected to taxi to higher and firmer ground. During taxi, the left main landing gear struck a rock and separated from the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 5, 1995, about 1830 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna model 180 airplane, N2975C, sustained substantial damage while taxiing after landing on a beach on the west shore of Bristol Bay, located approximately 12 miles west of Naknek, Alaska. The solo private pilot reported no injury. The local pleasure flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight departed Naknek about 1730. The pilot reported he landed low on the beach, and was continuing to taxi to a spot higher on the shoreline to be above the incoming tide. While taxiing, he made a turn to the right, and the left main landing gear tire struck a 2 foot in diameter rock. The left main landing gear was torn from the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. -