Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the winds gusts and crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was taxiing his ski equipped airplane in gusty crosswind conditions after landing at an off airport site. A strong gust of wind pushed the airplane sideways to the right. The right ski struck some ice, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the ground and received substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 13, 1997, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a ski equipped Bellanca 7GCBC airplane, N53817, sustained substantial damage while taxiing from landing at an off airport site near Koyuk, Alaska. The solo airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Ruby, Alaska, about 1200, and the destination was Koyuk. The pilot reported he had landed near the village of Koyuk, and was taxiing in gusty crosswind conditions towards a parking area, when the wind pushed the airplane sideways, to the right. The right ski caught on some ice, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the ice, and received substantial damage. -